tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41035533044699166132024-03-14T11:49:08.161-07:00Making It As Mumcatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-33739154155360082282012-12-13T12:10:00.001-08:002012-12-14T00:40:02.276-08:00Christmas keepsakes and traditions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRr32oRmwxE_vDZTCx-vjn8-j6Mza9PQaoJsDbi3pMDxLwOZyu98A4KWaQrqZ4L65IGf3kp9zeIIkEov0K2T6WEk15MUuBltPPXGrcxP5axvNIQAuKlO46WBZUfl8Qswial5X8iNf5d0/s1600/frosty+bauble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRr32oRmwxE_vDZTCx-vjn8-j6Mza9PQaoJsDbi3pMDxLwOZyu98A4KWaQrqZ4L65IGf3kp9zeIIkEov0K2T6WEk15MUuBltPPXGrcxP5axvNIQAuKlO46WBZUfl8Qswial5X8iNf5d0/s320/frosty+bauble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have a lovely little tradition in our house that marks the start of Christmas for us. Before we even coax the Christmas tree out of hiding we have a visit to our local pottery and make a memory bauble. <br />
<br />
This is something i started when little E was just five weeks old to mark his first Christmas and then it evolved into a lovely Christmas memory tree. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaiQF8HeL75hEQ4xPb7cnZl38CYyVNJ-nyYrn1dGrnqa2ryNlCxa9Aln2ePhUF3d29W7YpHHs_V9SPzEc_iWLmpEJa7vBHnPrFyQzAmlBS5y43L2Hx6nmnw2_1MBT-EMxwICfv1Dvp7k/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaiQF8HeL75hEQ4xPb7cnZl38CYyVNJ-nyYrn1dGrnqa2ryNlCxa9Aln2ePhUF3d29W7YpHHs_V9SPzEc_iWLmpEJa7vBHnPrFyQzAmlBS5y43L2Hx6nmnw2_1MBT-EMxwICfv1Dvp7k/s320/049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Every year the bauble is very different and its a wonderful way to see his development as the older he gets the more input he has. This year he was very taken with the fingerprint characters so this years decoration is really fun and festive. <br />
<br />
<br />
Previously I displayed them on a small real tree but I always worried about them getting broken so this year i hunted around for something safer to display them on and came across a jewellery tree that seems to work well. The jewellery tree has twelve prongs so is perfect for my vision of the twelve years of Christmas he he.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk-xy1PDTiT37G2YWoIJJSmkpdZki5hyTRW-Baucf5_qOGIccNBNKU9fRuEq082wI1powCuM7CkyJKKHr-0aq1l0DN0WQXT24i4p7vB0QzuYhIpsgJTNhva78WMwDyfH6O6abQWx05UA/s1600/bauble+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk-xy1PDTiT37G2YWoIJJSmkpdZki5hyTRW-Baucf5_qOGIccNBNKU9fRuEq082wI1powCuM7CkyJKKHr-0aq1l0DN0WQXT24i4p7vB0QzuYhIpsgJTNhva78WMwDyfH6O6abQWx05UA/s320/bauble+window.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a really lovely tradition that i truly recommend to anyone with a new born as its a wonderful family tradition and something to cherish and enjoy year after year. Christmas i think is all about children and these will remind you of the lovely small years even when they are all big and grown up. I still have not managed to get round to making a very cute odd sock advent calender i mentioned last year but it a very cute <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/christmas-keepsakes-family-traditions.html">idea</a> that i would recommend.<br />
<br />
Its always lovely to hear from you feel free to leave a comment and share your Christmas ideas and traditions.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day ....................... 12 years of Christmas gosh that is a thought xx<br />
</div>
catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-44166070060878775742012-12-11T13:46:00.002-08:002012-12-12T11:44:55.997-08:00Look who's home for Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm going to let you into a little secret ............... Santa has some extra special helpers this year as well as the usual Elves he also has the flower fairy's to assist him in delivering presents on time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Flower fairy's are fantastic they deliver lovely flowers but are equally good at delivering favourite bears home in time for Christmas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfZaAay8-mJ6acmeI-vKXFWi6qS6xPN-wv_8uTSRKHj0FYrmzuth9HEWDZSv8ItxjY0RqMRlduRdX_PMAX3G9ctQCaXJyhpCdSiI60oZj3enUZS1QFfWNpqBxF1k58yxNMlVkmim89II/s1600/reunited.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfZaAay8-mJ6acmeI-vKXFWi6qS6xPN-wv_8uTSRKHj0FYrmzuth9HEWDZSv8ItxjY0RqMRlduRdX_PMAX3G9ctQCaXJyhpCdSiI60oZj3enUZS1QFfWNpqBxF1k58yxNMlVkmim89II/s1600/reunited.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think we can safely say that a certain someone is very very very pleased with his new found Frankie!! A big thank you to the wonderful people at <a href="http://www.interflora.co.uk/googlesw/?cm_mmc=Google-_-googlBrandTermExact-_-Brand-_-interflora">inter flora</a> who really showed lots of Christmas spirit and helped to <a href="http://blog.interflora.co.uk/interfloras-mission-to-findfrankie/">#findfrankie</a> .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX68xgySfVFOsigdpfq4Y6SHiJXyBPZvnu1u75767icRX_v7NSoix2XWzWk2PvG8C9SJpOD7VzhGstxqKuXZcdoipo3mCPFrmqY0mJt0Cry9FbL5ToN_XydTW_J_OcPnyPBc9mNBeQC9o/s1600/home+for+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX68xgySfVFOsigdpfq4Y6SHiJXyBPZvnu1u75767icRX_v7NSoix2XWzWk2PvG8C9SJpOD7VzhGstxqKuXZcdoipo3mCPFrmqY0mJt0Cry9FbL5ToN_XydTW_J_OcPnyPBc9mNBeQC9o/s320/home+for+christmas.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New Frankie is full of Christmas spirit and is safely tucked up in the warm tonight and is not allowed out of the house untill fitted with a teddy bear tracking device !!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hope original Frankie is safe and warm and that he too will find his way home soon as there is plenty of room at our inn. Keep your eyes peeled for him and if you do spot a little lost bear please help him find his way home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you again flower Fairy's the man in the red suit takes the glory but he is nothing without you his flower helpers making people smile xxx </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-17549807108459336822012-12-07T03:02:00.000-08:002012-12-07T03:29:21.539-08:00Please come home Frankie we miss you !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7HpzmfVGmS0dcL_XFWVgvNgIEGSGv6N-pQEz2EysYcPz8k8_SUILqffXQgKHLuHD9H7JRtiHln9M7VtZLFJvbdwXZcky7N3Rba-mNRoh1B6PDaK8DSa9EW1tD_MCRtAdo2vP3NrhxBw/s1600/frankie+doodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7HpzmfVGmS0dcL_XFWVgvNgIEGSGv6N-pQEz2EysYcPz8k8_SUILqffXQgKHLuHD9H7JRtiHln9M7VtZLFJvbdwXZcky7N3Rba-mNRoh1B6PDaK8DSa9EW1tD_MCRtAdo2vP3NrhxBw/s1600/frankie+doodle.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
seen this bear??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is called Frankie and we would really love to have him home in time for Christmas but despite our best efforts of retracing our steps he has been lost somewhere in Witney for weeks.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBquwlr1-6vRmSDPNiMEADWnavpth8MN6kKJYS2LGtI6hCcFwBU02xxWHWEM8MbB6GX0QNBjovRo1U33KKXrHHpA_02evigOkrbKNcrv99ZMQ71i4QW5B-fNs9uTNY33BxQpEjr-L0ss/s1600/frankie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBquwlr1-6vRmSDPNiMEADWnavpth8MN6kKJYS2LGtI6hCcFwBU02xxWHWEM8MbB6GX0QNBjovRo1U33KKXrHHpA_02evigOkrbKNcrv99ZMQ71i4QW5B-fNs9uTNY33BxQpEjr-L0ss/s320/frankie.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He went missing over a really busy weekend of doctors appointments, birthdays, shopping and viewing houses. Little E is really distraught and weeks on he still asks for Frankie as they have been together since birth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKx2TZ9P5do1MIyw00q7zHP1LjsFNSHaSNsrnnxZVJvRLjzZZ0ubW3EUGCFOpWEdohKbXEpKPRLBm3I7gragg6etXTX7hKQ2D9WcpJHLUxUzp_3VNqVTN7xAX5tO49k9hMMeIPCWAPWQ/s1600/fankie+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKx2TZ9P5do1MIyw00q7zHP1LjsFNSHaSNsrnnxZVJvRLjzZZ0ubW3EUGCFOpWEdohKbXEpKPRLBm3I7gragg6etXTX7hKQ2D9WcpJHLUxUzp_3VNqVTN7xAX5tO49k9hMMeIPCWAPWQ/s320/fankie+flowers.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had given up hope of finding the original one so started looking for a replacement but again was not having any luck as the design has changed since 2008.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I contacted the lovely people at <span id="goog_2066443272"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">inter flora</a> <span id="goog_2066443273"></span>as Frankie originally came with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as mum and baby gift. They have been amazing and through the power of social media and lovely people re tweeting and looking we have found two replacement bears. I have been overwhelmed by peoples kindness and going out of there way to help us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are really pleased and looking forward to the new Frankie arriving through the post soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Original Frankie is still at large but you never know the power of social media the real Frankie may still make it home too in time for Christmas to join his new found brother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe he is snuggled up on the sofa of one of those houses we viewed!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you to all the lovely people that helped and everyone who is still searching for Frankie.xx xx</div>
</div>
catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-89370180565724571612012-06-26T14:40:00.002-07:002012-06-26T14:40:25.284-07:00Lovely prints from wall paper samples ........Making it home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQxUIzLFs6Pg_uVh9Vktqbc_cp9Hp2Sp6h-eZuWQLFDSQLBdD208eKYTPo0vVaX7KWMSVYGoLXINP0VADzf4oxiAR0S40cKaLtMjrr_sESd5M1pTSLp7daAHG4ttXvVaUapjXSrB3SaU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQxUIzLFs6Pg_uVh9Vktqbc_cp9Hp2Sp6h-eZuWQLFDSQLBdD208eKYTPo0vVaX7KWMSVYGoLXINP0VADzf4oxiAR0S40cKaLtMjrr_sESd5M1pTSLp7daAHG4ttXvVaUapjXSrB3SaU/s320/011.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to making it home blog hop a weekly linky to share ideas and add your posts on how you are making your house home.<br />
<br />
Here is this weeks update from me a simple idea for left over wall paper and samples/ swatches.<br />
<br />
I have a little confession to make i have a bit of thing for wallpaper and have a little bit of a collection going on at the moment of wallpaper samples and wallpaper roll ends that are gorgeous prints but have not quite made the grade to make it on the wall. The print above is really lovely but was not quite right for the room i had in mind but it was just too darn pretty to throw the sample away. <br />
<br />
This week i started doing the finishing touches for the kitchen and i wanted to add some colour and pattern to the room and this lovely wallpaper fitted the bill perfectly. I didn't however have any available wall space to play with to add a feature wall therefore the next best thing would be to add some framed prints.<br />
<br />
I purchased a really nice white frame including a mount from Sainsburys it was a real bargain as cost around £7.50 supermarkets are great for basic items like this.<br />
<br />
Using the mount included with the frame as a guide i moved it around the wallpaper until i found the perfect framed picture looking back at me. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAjQvDe0FzlqeJperN5fd7L4AmvblcrqXyYbY5rAxrGYy8ChLAsOM262WxLvaHAmQzUbGCnKLYCPBCHNcl33bkqmB_2GQFZ3Q6j50mwGsA3BICccRn9MoPL69Df48T1IAjEl_0FFMEl8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAjQvDe0FzlqeJperN5fd7L4AmvblcrqXyYbY5rAxrGYy8ChLAsOM262WxLvaHAmQzUbGCnKLYCPBCHNcl33bkqmB_2GQFZ3Q6j50mwGsA3BICccRn9MoPL69Df48T1IAjEl_0FFMEl8/s320/013.JPG" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I then simply cut the wallpaper sample to size and placed in the frame giving me a really lovely print made out of a wallpaper sample that would of otherwise found itself in the recycling bin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEJSdCd8PG3AIXd-J2W3o4aub5ZoW6gMY6wEOHPzAijzzUVq5RNnAX1Yc11vY1AoZhrdrtGG0qAz1wkSGZb4tHIfT2DyRgIzMAzGTYEnKN0xZa8LPrycDFJ7PqUUfH3HWJIw_ya5hses/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEJSdCd8PG3AIXd-J2W3o4aub5ZoW6gMY6wEOHPzAijzzUVq5RNnAX1Yc11vY1AoZhrdrtGG0qAz1wkSGZb4tHIfT2DyRgIzMAzGTYEnKN0xZa8LPrycDFJ7PqUUfH3HWJIw_ya5hses/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The framed print adds interest to the open shelving unit and breaks up the run of crockery with a splash of colour. This little upcycling project was really cost effective and only cost £7.50 in total. I also have a few pictures left over from the house move containing prints that no longer fit in with our new rooms so i will definitely be using this idea to bring new life to my old frames too saving money by using what we already have.<br />
<br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGpUx-4PnkB0jTriSXvYY7tLeE-8-db1FfaJw3FMtsofOcGT06xh-5qcxN4q-2s8tkz2Apfydj0oeUEdyd5R1qKj2fQe9gsGlxciG1ASV0ep9Vq1CZLs7Ol4eXFcrivQwjoEWCZ4UTiM/s1600/wallpaper+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGpUx-4PnkB0jTriSXvYY7tLeE-8-db1FfaJw3FMtsofOcGT06xh-5qcxN4q-2s8tkz2Apfydj0oeUEdyd5R1qKj2fQe9gsGlxciG1ASV0ep9Vq1CZLs7Ol4eXFcrivQwjoEWCZ4UTiM/s320/wallpaper+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it from me this week hope i have inspired you to make your own art and add a splash of colour to your walls.<br />
<br />
Now its over to you to link up and show us how your making it home...........feel free to grab the badge and ready steady link.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></div>
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=151624" type="text/javascript">
</script>
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-64002212137439537202012-06-26T05:15:00.002-07:002012-06-26T05:19:07.173-07:00Review ...Deluxe Led Fogless Shower Mirror by Toilettree Products.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_6asv7GozDGemZ1BCDFA9thRUBTQf_fnPHYajaZOhJKsVyl4TlzuJe70c5x9cdUClQZ-Cg31OaDavCLtIFYMxU2zJ0k7El_4w4nzrTVRy4rpSNaZ_mzUHugbCelMDmxRtC_jevR20M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_6asv7GozDGemZ1BCDFA9thRUBTQf_fnPHYajaZOhJKsVyl4TlzuJe70c5x9cdUClQZ-Cg31OaDavCLtIFYMxU2zJ0k7El_4w4nzrTVRy4rpSNaZ_mzUHugbCelMDmxRtC_jevR20M/s320/photo.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<br />
I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to review the Deluxe Led Fogless shower mirror by <a href="http://toilettreeproducts.com/">Toilettree</a> products as i love stylish things for the home especially ones designed to make life. easier. <br />
<br />
The mirror is designed for use in the shower to make beauty regimes a little easier such as shaving exfoliating and using tweezers to name but a few things.<br />
<br />
Usually you need to wait until you have finished showering and the bathroom mirror has recovered from the steam before you can see properly use the bathroom mirror. The Deluxe Fogless Shower Mirror solves this problem as you can use it whilst still in the shower without any fog caused by shower steam.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmSbQ2mtSPKKxiWuFUMkW9PaSsfT9w1XQjE9RJM2L9DlN17-yZf9C8asZ_pdBQW10Q5wCL4Y4JSivnMBon4-VAWV-rBIVfwyhdXHINgyligLnzx__SadG6bk3dvc_ZVCz84ue7z3Rbms/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmSbQ2mtSPKKxiWuFUMkW9PaSsfT9w1XQjE9RJM2L9DlN17-yZf9C8asZ_pdBQW10Q5wCL4Y4JSivnMBon4-VAWV-rBIVfwyhdXHINgyligLnzx__SadG6bk3dvc_ZVCz84ue7z3Rbms/s320/005.JPG" width="309" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The product arrived really well packaged and inside the box contained everything i needed to set the mirror up and fix to the wall with out the need for any diy, in fact it was so easy i didn't even need to rope hubby in to put it on the wall for me ! I was very impressed that even battery's were included in the box which is rare these days so once set up the product was ready to use without a trip to the shops being needed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7d6o3eb5U9bxYZWSBf-MVAvOxfVk4R8RY2SFxH0dqiAKHtBIDBMa60pkeNfA1Lx5PRh1fG36OeVq3ZtsXtYbSystDr0GjKg8chhcJbRLXlrjLfpSWFwYRF-RNi-Q8-tAJidjfk26hyY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7d6o3eb5U9bxYZWSBf-MVAvOxfVk4R8RY2SFxH0dqiAKHtBIDBMa60pkeNfA1Lx5PRh1fG36OeVq3ZtsXtYbSystDr0GjKg8chhcJbRLXlrjLfpSWFwYRF-RNi-Q8-tAJidjfk26hyY/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was really easy to put together all i had to do was put the silicone and sticky pads that are included onto the back of the stand at the pre marked out places and then pop it on the wall near the shower and leave to dry over night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKwC-HkGzMKgP4ObLL_RvayBynlSI6B-MG1RQx4SqWmi5zIAzYIlWeLzkOO-lnSqA1VHPeUz8qhNDt9K7BSseUqzTRGnHBO8nBPrlwnECQBn3dk9un0Me9G66UAS9ayPNtQC7tHOOKLs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKwC-HkGzMKgP4ObLL_RvayBynlSI6B-MG1RQx4SqWmi5zIAzYIlWeLzkOO-lnSqA1VHPeUz8qhNDt9K7BSseUqzTRGnHBO8nBPrlwnECQBn3dk9un0Me9G66UAS9ayPNtQC7tHOOKLs/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next morning i put the mirror onto the stand and simply tilted it to suit my needs. When i was ready to use it i simply put the shower on and easily filled the mirror with water from the shower hose and switched on the light. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_6asv7GozDGemZ1BCDFA9thRUBTQf_fnPHYajaZOhJKsVyl4TlzuJe70c5x9cdUClQZ-Cg31OaDavCLtIFYMxU2zJ0k7El_4w4nzrTVRy4rpSNaZ_mzUHugbCelMDmxRtC_jevR20M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_6asv7GozDGemZ1BCDFA9thRUBTQf_fnPHYajaZOhJKsVyl4TlzuJe70c5x9cdUClQZ-Cg31OaDavCLtIFYMxU2zJ0k7El_4w4nzrTVRy4rpSNaZ_mzUHugbCelMDmxRtC_jevR20M/s320/photo.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The little shelf on the stand i found really handy i used it for tweezers but it would also be really good for razors creams etc. I found the mirror to be really useful and i did my eyebrows with ease while still in the shower. I am sure it would also be really helpful to men who like a wet shave. Over all i think its a really good useful item that looks stylish and at the moment it is £22.95 on amazon so it definitely won't break the bank.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day ..................simple style to make life easier</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-1697387807024447892012-06-24T01:54:00.000-07:002012-06-24T01:54:10.415-07:00Silent sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqcf40bjzUuConBFig2edeBvUIwH5lcK8nXChG58vonU145KhdepVuap9tkaf-dl5TAX78-AVyBitDH8Pc6D-CBSuUrIGkysqCBN4lXrvZ4UpcBTJ8eeGg9KJB7XkWmqGhGsKkDvt7Z0/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqcf40bjzUuConBFig2edeBvUIwH5lcK8nXChG58vonU145KhdepVuap9tkaf-dl5TAX78-AVyBitDH8Pc6D-CBSuUrIGkysqCBN4lXrvZ4UpcBTJ8eeGg9KJB7XkWmqGhGsKkDvt7Z0/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silentsunday"> <img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://loveallblogs.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/02/Mocha-Beanie-Mummys- Silent-Sunday1.jpg" /></a></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-81178682770939035432012-06-21T12:44:00.000-07:002012-06-22T07:15:04.760-07:00Random acts of kindness.......... reasons to be cheerful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scXyxIRU7nQ/Tv9BsHy66NI/AAAAAAAAAKI/miPXTlO21fU/s1600/gnomeo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scXyxIRU7nQ/Tv9BsHy66NI/AAAAAAAAAKI/miPXTlO21fU/s320/gnomeo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnobody laugh ... oh go on then if it cheers you up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Reasons to be cheerful.........<br />
<br />
OK this is going to be a big ask this week as if you have seen my last couple of posts i am feeling poorly and have renovation fatigue syndrome.<br />
<br />
However i am a glass half full kinda girl and with a boy as cute as a gnome how can i fail to look on the bright side of any situation.<br />
<br />
My first reason to be cheerful is thanks to two very nice men who have been today and pruned the very large pine tree and laurel blocking any light coming into our kitchen. Our house has been over shadowed since we moved in by some very over grown trees that belong to the council. <br />
Try as we might the council have been very reluctant despite my efforts or my paying council tax for their services to come out and cut back the trees. <br />
<br />
Today however on a walk to the shop a couple of workers were pruning trees a few streets away and i got chatting to them and explained my plight, kindly they said they would come round and help. Amazingly twenty minuets later they arrived and pruned away and within an hour hey presto we had light streaming through the kitchen window and seeing the sunlight coming in made me very cheerful. <br />
<br />
What made me even more cheerful though was the kindness of the two men who went out of their way and finished work a little bit late this evening to help to make someones life easier. <br />
Things like this restore my faith in human nature and make me really cheerful.<br />
<br />
My next reason to be cheerful is a very lovely blogger <a href="http://mummyplum.blogspot.co.uk/">Mummy plum</a> who i admire very much as she writes so beautifully has awarded me as one of her beautiful bloggers. This really made my day to be admired by one of my favorite blogs, sometimes you can wonder does anyone like what i have to say and it was really lovely to get this feedback. It also made me think...... i try to comment as much as i can but sometimes i will read a post and think that's interesting but not stop and tell the writer. I will definitely be making more of an effort from now on to comment more and try to often find ways to make someones day and let them know i think they are special.<br />
<br />
That's my reasons to be cheerful this week if you would like to take part in reasons to be cheerful head on over to <a href="http://mdplife.blogspot.co.uk/">mummy from the heart</a> and join in.<br />
<br />
You could also share the blog love by popping over and visiting other blogs finding more reasons to be cheerful<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=150700" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<br />
<br />
Thought of the day .................. Small gestures can make a big impact.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-51558970419381247852012-06-21T03:19:00.001-07:002012-06-21T03:33:06.552-07:00Nutrition the road back to good health<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX5B-gn4GYqmk0eiUHptHV_ZEFzaTBgS8TbMcK_NRX_2qJJ2d2WaPfPGADejQ6ol0HaSsv2gnNCS8-L2IMpKxpZqkGMq303aRGjM6zbF4vgCkduKW4s0O3I7b83vUiwYkO_fjKY3vHmw/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX5B-gn4GYqmk0eiUHptHV_ZEFzaTBgS8TbMcK_NRX_2qJJ2d2WaPfPGADejQ6ol0HaSsv2gnNCS8-L2IMpKxpZqkGMq303aRGjM6zbF4vgCkduKW4s0O3I7b83vUiwYkO_fjKY3vHmw/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Earlier in the year i promised myself i would re visit a nutritionalist again as this really helped my recovery from pnd and pneumonia back when little E was very small and definatley brought back my smile.<br />
<br />
I have however been really silly and cancelled the appointment a few times as i just could not seem to find time to fit it in. <br />
<br />
Finally last week my health forced me to attend my appointment as i had once again managed to run myself down so badly i was useless to anyone. Suffering with a virus of the inner ear and sinus that is so blocked that i can barely move my neck i at last went for my appointment. I really should of listened to my body sooner instead of waiting till i felt like the bottom of the barrel as thats a steep climb back up!<br />
<br />
My appointment lasted about an hour and a half and just being there spending time with someone admitting how run down and unwell i was feeling was a relief. I could clearly see I'm not looking after myself very well and just discussing my eating habits was quite shocking. Its all to easy to eat a quick unhealthy thing on the run here and miss a meal completely there. The thing that shocked me the most was the amount of wheat related products i eat that have little nutritional value in them and the other surprise the amount of tea i drink.<br />
<br />
I then had a series of muscle tests and some parts of my body are not functioning properly no wonder i feel so shocking. I was then matched with supplements to help the weakened areas and help me back to good health. <br />
<br />
A diet was then put together that suits my lifestyle and is therefore easy for me to stick to, wheat has been completely removed from my diet and tea has been cut right down no surprise for me there.<br />
Its still early days at the moment my body is currently going through a bit of a healing crisis and detoxing and the blocked sinus areas have now been replaced by the mother of all colds but at least there no longer blocked.<br />
I know in a few weeks time i will feel better than i have in a very long time as the benefits i had when i visited the nutritionalist with pnd and pneumonia the first time were tremendous and really got me back on my feet. <br />
<br />
What we eat and put into our body really effects our mood and energy level and lets face it as mums we need energy in abundance. When we feel worn out through lack of sleep and running round after the family we are no good to anyone and not feeling able really effects our mood. Its no surprise then really that eating the right things and taking supplements to re build a run down body can really help with mind body and spirit.<br />
<br />
I also had other benefits that were very welcome and totally unexpected my skin looked really clear and healthy and i lost one and a half stone of baby weight without even trying.<br />
<br />
I can already see the benefit to my skin this time round starting to show, it has already lost the grey look and fine lines seem less noticeable I'm sure this is a result of the water.<br />
<br />
So for now i will keep going with the plan and really recommend to anyone that if anything i have mentioned sounds familiar a trip to a nutritionalist could be just what you need. The nutritionalist i visited was Lissanne Davidson at higher health and healing who i think is truly amazing. I have not been paid or compensated in anyway to add the link but here it is as i genuinely recommend<br />
<a href="http://www.higherhealthandhealing.co.uk/">Higher health and healing </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Hopefully i am on the mend again now i will keep you posted on my progress. This week my making a small change to add up to a big benefit would be invest some time in your health and if nothing else drink 8 glasses of water a day.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day..................... Health is a gift take good care of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-10057662366362126712012-06-19T03:59:00.002-07:002012-06-19T03:59:48.953-07:00Making it home...............<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowcltjK0DXYH3kegSQ1A3roBAwffE1QdThyerXvz1-gcXyJ_g7-sBMGDLHo4tNWc77DdYKCqQDy5BXVufbNRqNCmFO_GwJuZHdTvS7IwrkUyaLNV29J1IsnUGHh8RFS6fTqsb6G-WExE/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowcltjK0DXYH3kegSQ1A3roBAwffE1QdThyerXvz1-gcXyJ_g7-sBMGDLHo4tNWc77DdYKCqQDy5BXVufbNRqNCmFO_GwJuZHdTvS7IwrkUyaLNV29J1IsnUGHh8RFS6fTqsb6G-WExE/s400/002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /> </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week we have taken a step back from the chaos of renovating to re asses what we are doing and why as sometimes you can get so wrapped up in little details that you can lose sight of the bigger picture.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We originally moved into the house to release some equity from our existing home to reduce our mortgage and make life financially a bit easier. The whole objective of the move was to buy a property in need of renovation and add as much value to it as we could to enable us to move again.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is so easy to lose focus on budget once you get started, money spent really needs to go into the areas that add the most value which are generally kitchens and bathrooms. Our dilemma at the moment is if we should still convert the garage to enlarge the kitchen as the cost of doing this is greater than originally anticipated due to issues with drainage adding additional work costs.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Much as we are eager to get on as the mess is driving us nuts and we just want to get straight and enjoy family life again. We have taken the sensible view and stopped mid work to get some valuations to see where we currently are and asses the next step with more clarity.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This has definitely been a good move as what we have already done in replacing the kitchen and bathroom and updating the bedrooms has added a really healthy profit. Converting the garage will add the same amount in value to the house as it will cost us to do the work. This is a really useful thing to know at this stage. If we were going to stay long term it would be worth doing as the new space would really suit our preferances but not necessarily cost effective if we are moving on as we break even coverting garage.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have the planning permission in place now so this would give someone in the future the choice to increase the space if they wish to or the option to keep garage if they prefer a garage. Planning permission in place is always a really good selling point and adds value in itself.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This does leave us a dilemma though we can not without going into the garage add a downstairs loo which means my mum who i care for can not visit which adds pressure to caring for her and stops her getting out which she needs.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We therefore may have to move on faster than originally thought and hope we have increased the value enough to purchase a multi generational house so that we can all finally afford to live together. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other option would be to stay and make the house to suit us but no mater what we do to it there would not be anyway to provide a downstairs bedroom which should my mums health get worse she would need to move in permanently.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is a really good idea mid renovations to take stock have a bit of a breather and re asses where you are and make sure your still on track for what you need to achieve.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its also good to look back on what you have achieved so far as this can help to spur you on to complete. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is a little recap on my making it home journey so far...................</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMGj8s-YGFKo7Ii12ZgtmST1sqUOEjHHex7uOuflwPvcK8j-wF6LVlkOaz4NnmQqyX2Isk5HOy5Wx_XRJ82z-KS_KqV7Nabw_Qq1BXpH-IEZ6iNBe33KG-q16rGJiWsWlJATDoeEm_28/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMGj8s-YGFKo7Ii12ZgtmST1sqUOEjHHex7uOuflwPvcK8j-wF6LVlkOaz4NnmQqyX2Isk5HOy5Wx_XRJ82z-KS_KqV7Nabw_Qq1BXpH-IEZ6iNBe33KG-q16rGJiWsWlJATDoeEm_28/s200/013.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4GRJE738t8aj88CXIGW1T6hyTMcUVQj22QQHxtcs41rpY7-ZTf3OPneady2ATrVbCaCBdyfdcPfhlubSCC1e1qQgGYCbQmlaLq-0h1jyny7kWOvaMb7e7n-8rAKTuQauRfsS73ftwug/s1600/bathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4GRJE738t8aj88CXIGW1T6hyTMcUVQj22QQHxtcs41rpY7-ZTf3OPneady2ATrVbCaCBdyfdcPfhlubSCC1e1qQgGYCbQmlaLq-0h1jyny7kWOvaMb7e7n-8rAKTuQauRfsS73ftwug/s320/bathroom2.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKFL2qkfWB_p1uH2Nvh1FsrN4Id8XBuH5n9NTMNUb6TSuDhDwbqVL4WGJ9AhLoOIf7uJDK4OsNh37OaFc9BDJy8lt0eYzlVgcItYoZF7azh2LI1sKk9UkD5qqIdo7c438fEpwYm1-JtQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKFL2qkfWB_p1uH2Nvh1FsrN4Id8XBuH5n9NTMNUb6TSuDhDwbqVL4WGJ9AhLoOIf7uJDK4OsNh37OaFc9BDJy8lt0eYzlVgcItYoZF7azh2LI1sKk9UkD5qqIdo7c438fEpwYm1-JtQ/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little E's before bedroom<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjG5ueI9NZ24RGS6hoqLjZ9VkpzzYHOqH5674v4XhA3YDViY1lBPayp8eoi-ZLj_tcH9OtqbnH2Os4IwUlC3Yfc8hHBtwVtHOM1WynjV-m2gwVOkon8XhzQCvKVw5pWRQUciAFqsD3BU/s1600/lift+off+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjG5ueI9NZ24RGS6hoqLjZ9VkpzzYHOqH5674v4XhA3YDViY1lBPayp8eoi-ZLj_tcH9OtqbnH2Os4IwUlC3Yfc8hHBtwVtHOM1WynjV-m2gwVOkon8XhzQCvKVw5pWRQUciAFqsD3BU/s320/lift+off+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After bedroom<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmISxYhoX5rwD4GfNnilBSLeWGYnsr9Ns9cc4uEnmzKCLltLjmVGiN6ndlCIwdtnRwFucrX5nSzpMv17Wu5urHTlHzQuvU9kqe6Sz4puGSQCw-2dGgoxY95a2rFJQagINsJqK3k6gm4I/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmISxYhoX5rwD4GfNnilBSLeWGYnsr9Ns9cc4uEnmzKCLltLjmVGiN6ndlCIwdtnRwFucrX5nSzpMv17Wu5urHTlHzQuvU9kqe6Sz4puGSQCw-2dGgoxY95a2rFJQagINsJqK3k6gm4I/s200/016.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our before bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx7KJ_HLrGS8IerjgQjupIybE90gpNMycav36RZR9BdFQCyTB-NIwoN3joL38a3dIvdC-0px5hf7JRTJlfCOvq2mROiEod2rkPTYOPB2jqfdEiPRAPUTeNhbBbX6pkbfY3ZF_mkcK3pY/s1600/bed+main+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx7KJ_HLrGS8IerjgQjupIybE90gpNMycav36RZR9BdFQCyTB-NIwoN3joL38a3dIvdC-0px5hf7JRTJlfCOvq2mROiEod2rkPTYOPB2jqfdEiPRAPUTeNhbBbX6pkbfY3ZF_mkcK3pY/s320/bed+main+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our after bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PnGuTt5heReszH7mR3eyH70Kkg_goyhAZGdXhyphenhyphenzBnv5rICHqI7j6az4T3egp0BVclqhldLqbi_FYbfsEQuHALi9ErLrooVcf90dpVKq2kQ59L3hm_Z5G9hEgpgLaGV4aC4QUFNWdD8c/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PnGuTt5heReszH7mR3eyH70Kkg_goyhAZGdXhyphenhyphenzBnv5rICHqI7j6az4T3egp0BVclqhldLqbi_FYbfsEQuHALi9ErLrooVcf90dpVKq2kQ59L3hm_Z5G9hEgpgLaGV4aC4QUFNWdD8c/s200/007.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The after kitchen is just waiting for the finishing touches but is a really practical space and provides plenty of room to work and i think when finished it will be a lovely family kitchen without the need to convert the garage.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It would be lovely to know if anyone has any thoughts or advice for us its always lovely to hear from you.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now its over to you to link up your posts on how you are making your house home xx</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thought of the day....................Always good to pause for thought</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ready steady link ...................</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=150440" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-52335844947482697762012-06-16T07:57:00.000-07:002012-06-18T06:08:48.921-07:00Reasons to be cheerful.... No such thing as bad weather!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQXx1YTN_Bw69b0cgbIGhjA2Yds-hWk0CUCBlD-fsWk8Bq-2SVMM7ssU-Mj8OfGBsAYHxDGnLcUu1f4oByC8rnAQi76as0m84xNcfu5oAsxk6CI5LMGOlhlYVjAA-haaO5Tlk2Uk-wys/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQXx1YTN_Bw69b0cgbIGhjA2Yds-hWk0CUCBlD-fsWk8Bq-2SVMM7ssU-Mj8OfGBsAYHxDGnLcUu1f4oByC8rnAQi76as0m84xNcfu5oAsxk6CI5LMGOlhlYVjAA-haaO5Tlk2Uk-wys/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Making a change................<br />
<br />
I am on a mission at the moment to turn many areas of my life around and change one or two little things a week to overall add up to make a big difference!<br />
<br />
The first change on my list is thinking about things differently things happen but its how we react to them that can have a positive or negative effect on our lives. So holding that thought this week I'm joining in with reasons to be cheerful and totally changing my mind on the weather!!<br />
<br />
This weekend little E looked out the window and excitedly announced its not raining hurray we can go to the park. I however being an adult was not so convinced as i could hear the wind howling through the trees and our fence looking like it was going to take off. I then looked over at his happy little face and decided i had to find the positive in the weather and agreed with little E.<br />
<br />
Its a perfect day.............. for flying a kite.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the park as a family thanks to the lovely windy weather. The wind was so strong little E kept getting pulled along and falling over which made us all laugh.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvscqkZ9M5PiKhUo8ZCUshML8FRKINO1FKQYp2qGTpl7cqBg4fYzx5hlje7TSQslSa5km6JFuMQApTkWtBH5qudtgZTHYfb56ycTyGQviox1HVdgW0XB4UGUS-95uFeM20zKMMCnksTIo/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvscqkZ9M5PiKhUo8ZCUshML8FRKINO1FKQYp2qGTpl7cqBg4fYzx5hlje7TSQslSa5km6JFuMQApTkWtBH5qudtgZTHYfb56ycTyGQviox1HVdgW0XB4UGUS-95uFeM20zKMMCnksTIo/s320/012.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He also kept letting go of the strings and all three of us had to chase the kite on several occasions which made us all roll around laughing even more. <br />
<br />
My husband trying to launch the kite was hilarious it seemed to spend more time on the ground than in the air but this did not spoil our enjoyment at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdsE9313cPLV_OgXFEpYAW66eX_uC-tWJnB83l_xKb-2vfNuNWm7WzpFr7hLVeRNwytHf-DrYBSdQ3KiW69bgEoCBaOhWBOOPPY03kEeQK8VFa5Uzt5GA81nYOecYn4VS02geOnNwlH0/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdsE9313cPLV_OgXFEpYAW66eX_uC-tWJnB83l_xKb-2vfNuNWm7WzpFr7hLVeRNwytHf-DrYBSdQ3KiW69bgEoCBaOhWBOOPPY03kEeQK8VFa5Uzt5GA81nYOecYn4VS02geOnNwlH0/s320/029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although we did not get much flight out of our fish kite<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy90O-6bozzIlzp9dCqnAjjgKXBVQ9xn2LC4LKvTrM58erqbJF_1xK_71j1H09DJ3e3sNffVnY0V6fFG3sHeOgiKVUrVW5AwGqgsEhwB7GgA6pqm1k9LepJCGsWE2bg1uPEixO9GVvKVM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy90O-6bozzIlzp9dCqnAjjgKXBVQ9xn2LC4LKvTrM58erqbJF_1xK_71j1H09DJ3e3sNffVnY0V6fFG3sHeOgiKVUrVW5AwGqgsEhwB7GgA6pqm1k9LepJCGsWE2bg1uPEixO9GVvKVM/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
we had a fantastic time and laughed enjoying the lovely weather! <br />
<br />
Just before we left a more traditional kite did make flight<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQXx1YTN_Bw69b0cgbIGhjA2Yds-hWk0CUCBlD-fsWk8Bq-2SVMM7ssU-Mj8OfGBsAYHxDGnLcUu1f4oByC8rnAQi76as0m84xNcfu5oAsxk6CI5LMGOlhlYVjAA-haaO5Tlk2Uk-wys/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQXx1YTN_Bw69b0cgbIGhjA2Yds-hWk0CUCBlD-fsWk8Bq-2SVMM7ssU-Mj8OfGBsAYHxDGnLcUu1f4oByC8rnAQi76as0m84xNcfu5oAsxk6CI5LMGOlhlYVjAA-haaO5Tlk2Uk-wys/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
we really enjoyed watching it for a short time until the rain returned......................<br />
<br />
The rain however did not dampen our spirits as there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful about the rain, like popping on a pair of wellies and jumping around in muddy puddles or snuggling up in the dry and watching a family movie.<br />
<br />
That's my reasons to be cheerful just from making a small change to how i think about the weather.<br />
If you would like to try this little change link up with mummy from the heart and add your reasons to be cheerful.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://mdplife.blogspot.com/search/label/reasons%20to%20be%20cheerful"><img alt="Reasons to be Cheerful at Mummy from the Heart" height="150" src="http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac230/RebaMc/reasonstobecheerfulv2-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
Its always lovely to hear from you so please don't be shy feel free to leave a comment and and say hi.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day............ There is no such thing as bad weather ..........just bad clothes!</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-57529723009193696672012-06-12T07:20:00.001-07:002012-06-12T07:40:39.545-07:00Making it home.......... Kitchen renovations continue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm not sure about calling this post making it home it should really be called making more mess, or please can we get something finished. <br />
<br />
The kitchen renovations continue in our house if you would like to find out more here is the link to <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-planning-and-updating.html">planning a small kitchen</a>.<br />
It has been a stressful couple of weeks to say the least we seem to be hitting a problem at every turn i sometimes wonder if the house does not want to be fixed. It seems to want to hold on to its 80's grey kitchen and garage you can't fit a car in. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSDq0u22u-eLdvQmpq1l8YORgv54AtlJvBvbc53qnNXSt41Ru4117vugM8230-rWGMF6aLt3AZT_I2gxaHczwFk0elj3-Kuy6l6MIME9cCxqjQta0FD6D_yRBVJ-0ZyUxRsg1UsScpHQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSDq0u22u-eLdvQmpq1l8YORgv54AtlJvBvbc53qnNXSt41Ru4117vugM8230-rWGMF6aLt3AZT_I2gxaHczwFk0elj3-Kuy6l6MIME9cCxqjQta0FD6D_yRBVJ-0ZyUxRsg1UsScpHQ/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought the original grey kitchen above was scary but then things looked alot worse when everything got ripped out and thrown in the skip and the items to go back into the kitchen got moved into the lounge for what was intended to be a temporary stay ! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9tlNCLb2YIzBQ1xhgh-uVwISqXpfowHtO3rr6uPxbudEbv2wZYQ8_23diHZq6G-FrPKnehBFZRM5y0Ru_TqToizx_tfhOQfvkALL8srONUG75_pUgpZzWDo3tRUiu2Lcr516mW5krZ8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9tlNCLb2YIzBQ1xhgh-uVwISqXpfowHtO3rr6uPxbudEbv2wZYQ8_23diHZq6G-FrPKnehBFZRM5y0Ru_TqToizx_tfhOQfvkALL8srONUG75_pUgpZzWDo3tRUiu2Lcr516mW5krZ8/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A month later the lounge is still chaos as it still has dining table and other kitchen things strewn all around it as sadly we had a couple of weeks where are builder was very unwell and work stopped in the kitchen leaving us in a right mess. Things moved forward a bit more last week and we could finally see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel although we still had along way to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm8g5nD3bfPdoCAeS5tkHpsIOCkFEoq_BYldIK7vlIFMF_OXJjPV4qg43VVN-zj9dALOYiKwQs4kKthWw8wjOt0usjYhvaGnVVLyMmkW2onBT3aqR0GEsqEBBpGKAv4ARXwo1RvnL-Gg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm8g5nD3bfPdoCAeS5tkHpsIOCkFEoq_BYldIK7vlIFMF_OXJjPV4qg43VVN-zj9dALOYiKwQs4kKthWw8wjOt0usjYhvaGnVVLyMmkW2onBT3aqR0GEsqEBBpGKAv4ARXwo1RvnL-Gg/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then this week things really started taking shape and we managed to sneak a few essential items back in and finally had a sink again ...... no more washing up in the bathroom hurrah.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjediH6VEqNBSINiekFRc5bNUofRC2hCLq2fNIP36dhC2GqpMRunO5btTrDQTooiTJIIXD02RzE2tovhjvLKhMeRzaNytHBdlcN4lBITtip9-tzbTjcGEk6snfHjRidZOZOshHGXAT10Us/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Its really getting there now and a million miles away from the grey impractical space we started with. I can not wait to start doing the finishing touches but i think that's a way off yet as still electrics to be done and a wall to come down and a garage to be converted to give us the link through rooms. I am really pleased though with what we have achieved so far and I am really looking forward to getting each room back to its proper use and being able to use it as a real family home.<br />
<br />
That's it from me this week what have you been up to around your house to make it home, i would love you to link up and share your home and its always lovely to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Feel free to grab the making it home badge and ready steady link.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day.................. Renovations and children don't mix !<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=149511" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-47443631084779539752012-06-10T02:00:00.001-07:002012-06-10T03:35:00.567-07:00Silent Sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBo-ZztBZpUexufY47mVGxmSVzgUBYynK2E1skjpZBszxA2TOx17VwDk__qVAspb4ujQz88PRnzfX-DlmX9lyQVNXKQjUfIHnruwU08CBXjsdZfoLzz6hxw8M12azhvJ0BxOFTpZa0c4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBo-ZztBZpUexufY47mVGxmSVzgUBYynK2E1skjpZBszxA2TOx17VwDk__qVAspb4ujQz88PRnzfX-DlmX9lyQVNXKQjUfIHnruwU08CBXjsdZfoLzz6hxw8M12azhvJ0BxOFTpZa0c4/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJWTf0Blj8Tl_aEgDIaWglk8PusfX3iSdM1wMhhv1doFl86PyFtFEgBK5h9QmyD694wqM8XhzZVpE7xFgeM2-P92atvN2-etG7NG1PR5cAmeq4F-eWMy7eCDjgskROSDAJTOWmDEzS_w/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJWTf0Blj8Tl_aEgDIaWglk8PusfX3iSdM1wMhhv1doFl86PyFtFEgBK5h9QmyD694wqM8XhzZVpE7xFgeM2-P92atvN2-etG7NG1PR5cAmeq4F-eWMy7eCDjgskROSDAJTOWmDEzS_w/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7MpB-R193gcPFmDUcrp-DtkBSlh3jhaw8YZpv2vZWUWi6_eR2EwopfxO-1ggs6lJbgxYYtjSTnm4JZp0CPSJwji79cpnM3GAyKjMlkNCRJbT61Rvol7ed9YumF7uZeexpHB9PXwRNyY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7MpB-R193gcPFmDUcrp-DtkBSlh3jhaw8YZpv2vZWUWi6_eR2EwopfxO-1ggs6lJbgxYYtjSTnm4JZp0CPSJwji79cpnM3GAyKjMlkNCRJbT61Rvol7ed9YumF7uZeexpHB9PXwRNyY/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silentsunday" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://loveallblogs.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/02/Mocha-Beanie-Mummys- Silent-Sunday1.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-13457416489385147152012-06-05T11:34:00.002-07:002012-06-07T11:52:38.945-07:00Making it home .......... Best of British<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WsC-wCANZ71WnHjwgl3yzLKt5HhQyvGdLwmzf47MzwxpBNCkD349JyA3fx0ErLrDTy0lkbSfFVH8k4mDcXjpa2p02nqZWmTLhXZn5koXBP62sZVHhqwenMUVVPPHakNv5vfSssDeH4w/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WsC-wCANZ71WnHjwgl3yzLKt5HhQyvGdLwmzf47MzwxpBNCkD349JyA3fx0ErLrDTy0lkbSfFVH8k4mDcXjpa2p02nqZWmTLhXZn5koXBP62sZVHhqwenMUVVPPHakNv5vfSssDeH4w/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to making it home..............<br />
<br />
This weekend we have been celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee so with that in mind i thought it would be lovely to give<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html"> making it home</a> a best of British theme this week. This can be linking up how you decorated your home or garden for the jubilee or like me celebrating the best British home products<br />
<br />
There are so many lovely British made quality products on sale and some fantastic statement pieces that can really add wow factor to a room. My post this week is all about celebrating and showcasing a few of my favourite things items i have found and handpicked as best of British. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a class="thickbox" href="http://verynicethings.co.uk/image/cache/data/claire%20aperture%20dining-500x500.jpg" rel="gallery" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Aperture Light Shade"><img alt="Aperture Light Shade" height="320" id="image" src="http://verynicethings.co.uk/image/cache/data/claire%20aperture%20dining-250x250.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" title="Aperture Light Shade" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I adore the light shade pictured above it really gives the wow factor to a very simple white dining area and adds a great focal point to the room. I have had these on my wish list for awhile now for my lounge a room i know we will get to revamp one day!! I found these at <a href="http://verynicethings.co.uk/perfect-gifts/made-in-the-uk/aperture-light">very nice things</a> who indeed do very nice British made things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img3-llalt.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.272266139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Stems, limited edition giclee print 8 x 10ins" border="0" height="300" src="http://img3-llalt.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.272266139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next on my list are these lovely inspired by nature limited edition prints by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101287389/custom-listing-for-tessa?ref=pr_shop">Eloise Renouf'</a> once i get to the finishing touches stage in the kitchen i will definitely be inspired by these prints. I wish there was a fabric too as i could really see a lovely kitchen blind in this sort of print. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303395_291272410948188_1057865278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="212" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303395_291272410948188_1057865278_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am a really big fan of good quality oak furniture and i think when making over a room its good to invest in furniture as well chosen good quality pieces will fit in with any scheme and will therefore last you well. I love oak and this dining set i think is a modern classic and would definitely stand the test of time. I found this set at <a href="http://www.topfurniture.co.uk/">topfurniture</a> when i was looking for a bench to update my own dining table as my budget won't quite stretch to replacing a whole set.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://p.twimg.com/Aup0vbdCIAAEY1J.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="large media-slideshow-image" height="320" src="https://p.twimg.com/Aup0vbdCIAAEY1J.jpg:large" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Wallpaper on the other hand is a great way to update a room without breaking the bank by adding a feature wall you can really change the look of a room. My favourite wallpaper at the moment is this gorgeous retro feel bird print by <a href="http://rachelpowellinteriors.com/">Rachel Powell</a> i hope i can find a small space somewhere to add this as a feature wall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My final celebration of British is a fantastic company i have found called <a href="http://www.newlifepaints.co.uk/">new life paints</a> who <br />
bring new life to old paint and help the landfill problem at the same time. Paint is simply saved from landfill sorted into type then blended and treated filtered and tested to produce a high quality paint in a very good choice of colours. What a fantastic idea helping the environment and giving us stylish homes at the same time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.newlifepaints.com/wp-content/themes/dynamik/css/images/montage8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Life Paints" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35" height="208" src="http://www.newlifepaints.com/wp-content/themes/dynamik/css/images/montage8.png" title="New Life Paints" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's it from me for this week now its over to you to link up your posts on how your making it home. Feel free to continue the Best of British theme maybe you have decorated your home or garden for the jubilee or you have made something for the home or like me you may want to tell us the products on your wish list.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="200" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feel free to grab the badge and ready steady link</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=148456" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-13657176601605782782012-05-29T04:13:00.001-07:002012-05-29T05:42:18.748-07:00Jubilee treats......oops i mean cheats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE92-FLTV252jne66GqUnYm7DXMaqvMkA_K68MDd1mzwlgWb6oLfGKqK68gSLgDYFSjcWFR2MLTJvfxak1vdvP1_S9AC92GRpJybNJeAN-w76e8BIpWlbT0BmWXO4YiQHVTt_IdFHUfGw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE92-FLTV252jne66GqUnYm7DXMaqvMkA_K68MDd1mzwlgWb6oLfGKqK68gSLgDYFSjcWFR2MLTJvfxak1vdvP1_S9AC92GRpJybNJeAN-w76e8BIpWlbT0BmWXO4YiQHVTt_IdFHUfGw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have a little confession to make a bit like the chapter in the book I don't know how she doe's it i too have committed the awful sin of motherhood that is cheating at the nursery cake request.<br />
<br />
Oh yes you heard it hear first faking it as mum is my new slogan i hold my hands up and bow my head in the shame. We have all been there the over looked request from school or nursery that is found at the last moment written on a crumpled bit of paper filed neatly at the bottom of the school bag.<br />
<br />
I find my request just after dinner last night for some homemade cakes for the cake sale today to raise funds for the nursery garden. I vaguely remember looking at the note last week and buying some jubilee cup cake cases ready for a lovely afternoon of baking (honest)!!<br />
<br />
However at 7pm at the end of a lovely sunny day the thought of cooking in a kitchen mid renovations where a hard hat is required just to make a cup of tea did not exactly fill me with joy.<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought about it for oh all of five seconds and decided there was nothing else for it than...... to grab my purse and nip to Tesco. Once there i battled with my self as i linger in the baking isle looking at a bag of flour willing myself to do the right thing. Another glance at my watch and my alter ego takes over and i grab some white ready roll icing and then find myself in the ready made cake isle. I quickly grab some ready made cupcakes and rush to the till before i have time to change my mind.<br />
<br />
Once home i add a few drops of blue colouring to a small piece of the ready roll icing and leave the rest white. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRr4iFFvqX96JcRtofAJx7rIswoB1GAQiTp560bAWIc8QnWLuFHMW1sqXpONgr72nba6AMpQ_k7a7JnvW7W4GGJJU6isLd5NLk4o8Qe6tXl_Va4NCXD-TgOsOHiRq_u62jdNsxuo1SJE/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRr4iFFvqX96JcRtofAJx7rIswoB1GAQiTp560bAWIc8QnWLuFHMW1sqXpONgr72nba6AMpQ_k7a7JnvW7W4GGJJU6isLd5NLk4o8Qe6tXl_Va4NCXD-TgOsOHiRq_u62jdNsxuo1SJE/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Little E is having so much fun in the garden and i know I'm going to struggle getting him in so i fib and say do you want to come in i have some play doh. He runs in and using play doh cutters makes circles out of the white icing and hearts out of the blue. These are simply put on top of each other on top the cakes and finished off with a cherry to give us the red white and blue for the jubilee. <br />
<br />
I think to my self oh well we have come this far may as well completely cheat and make them look home made so the final sin of motherhood is committed by removing the cake cases and replacing them with the jubilee ones i purchased with my good intentions. To finish off we pop them onto a union jack plate that we had in the cupboard from our palace picnic at the weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaEdqOVTPiI7APSdEHi4S7OK_mkWkf_C2Y77c2lu_N2p1QiC_fw84b0EpCDe14rk4V8dB05ag2uM5pcl3jMTxIUwnhJGeHXGgzYFffBBwqV8HWCwvjnKXv-h0tbLJAehHTG6GWFkCO8k/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaEdqOVTPiI7APSdEHi4S7OK_mkWkf_C2Y77c2lu_N2p1QiC_fw84b0EpCDe14rk4V8dB05ag2uM5pcl3jMTxIUwnhJGeHXGgzYFffBBwqV8HWCwvjnKXv-h0tbLJAehHTG6GWFkCO8k/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it jubilee fakes a good make for a mum in a hurry. I do hope i can redeem myself later in the week as i still have a king costume to russel up for a disco and a royal teddy bears picnic to prepare. <br />
<br />
I hope I'm not alone in my sinning let me know if you have ever been caught out or have any ideas for making a costume fit for a king.<br />
<br />
Faking it as mum xx</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-87927863145320737562012-05-28T03:18:00.003-07:002012-05-30T11:16:30.575-07:00Upcycling blinds to fit a new scheme........ Making it home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week i carried on with little E's <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/making-it-home-boys-space-bedroom-on.html">space bedroom</a> and added some finishing touches to pull it all together. The renovation budget has had to shrink a bit as we have had to dip into the house fund to purchase a car so i am now having to be more stylishly thrifty than ever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you will be inspired by this very cost effective roman blind makeover that can be done with no sewing at all if you prefer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShGyTibRkQLpimOwI73ez9neQdYyxZpvd0-DBci6KHSba2K2-ZBBXlugc1TJ1cBEENWvfUcufMnhe_8dieoLXttqY4Tz4U9_x72Ca_UX8zo8CNpJ6rOVE18FBJbWQ5jqYjsG1nVFuwJQ/s1600/Finished+blind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShGyTibRkQLpimOwI73ez9neQdYyxZpvd0-DBci6KHSba2K2-ZBBXlugc1TJ1cBEENWvfUcufMnhe_8dieoLXttqY4Tz4U9_x72Ca_UX8zo8CNpJ6rOVE18FBJbWQ5jqYjsG1nVFuwJQ/s320/Finished+blind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we moved we packed all the curtains and blinds from our house and although some of the windows are slightly different sizes i had a few tricks up my sleeve to make them fit and update them to match in with the new room schemes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At our previous house Little E had a lovely <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/nautical-boat-bedroom-on-budget.html">boat bedroom</a> and a very sweet nautical blackout blind covering his window. The new bedroom window is exactly the same size so it seemed a real shame not to re use the blind and just update it to fit in with the space theme.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_uyBOHZVJPlixCtZ5ZLEX5YZCmB8IxlSqelijBQn8LnYEG8NLR1VZxOKroirUaj4t-CuHgp0j7noOvxCLc2QnKZuUSoren8kKalH-Lal7TMW6XtyAe-otmGA-wDoFEwwdX4ZxI5BWpY/s1600/original+blind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_uyBOHZVJPlixCtZ5ZLEX5YZCmB8IxlSqelijBQn8LnYEG8NLR1VZxOKroirUaj4t-CuHgp0j7noOvxCLc2QnKZuUSoren8kKalH-Lal7TMW6XtyAe-otmGA-wDoFEwwdX4ZxI5BWpY/s320/original+blind.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original blind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The colours in the blind fit in really well with the current scheme i just needed to somehow lose the 3 little boats. A few weeks ago i picked up a spare star duvet set for a bargain £2.50 from EBay. Duvet covers and sheets are a great way to get large pieces of fabric to use for other projects.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl8dTejmmeG8a9vqOMVXBa4zQHd5R7JLboGUUCclGFluSk4VIdfSy2_A-L9ATKWMbG4dMv0Q5kfKAry3iWd0rzYGN9whEWruL1rTI7FsjYpndSJJwQsYWDaOHmiTfb0yNG-cxKbCbZuY/s1600/pillowcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl8dTejmmeG8a9vqOMVXBa4zQHd5R7JLboGUUCclGFluSk4VIdfSy2_A-L9ATKWMbG4dMv0Q5kfKAry3iWd0rzYGN9whEWruL1rTI7FsjYpndSJJwQsYWDaOHmiTfb0yNG-cxKbCbZuY/s320/pillowcase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pillowcase from the set was the perfect width to cover up the boats and the colours match in really well with the rest of the blind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Firstly i opened up the pillowcase to make a long strip of fabric and then ironed in a seam allowance all the way round to neaten the raw edges. I then sewed round the hems with a row of straight stitch so that the finished result had the effect of being sewn on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZwwMOvMpKiNAa7ynfk4tVsSAghaOBQhpctp1M_ZEpwNaSw6rUUzGbP7sPzOG_uOEuqrG_xDPGGj4homBD1SkN0UshGOuTxkoGRMPsAQPOOpDm89QBaare2EaER1to53SSz17RlZ5KBc/s1600/step+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZwwMOvMpKiNAa7ynfk4tVsSAghaOBQhpctp1M_ZEpwNaSw6rUUzGbP7sPzOG_uOEuqrG_xDPGGj4homBD1SkN0UshGOuTxkoGRMPsAQPOOpDm89QBaare2EaER1to53SSz17RlZ5KBc/s320/step+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next i cut strips of heat n bond (available from sewing shops) and placed them around the edges where i had hemmed and ironed in place. I then removed the paper liner to reveal the second sticky strip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7HUfqsvCjUaU-CwzDbkqbEVetPx63cOA0J7Zvq0I6cRG7W8Yp3V5bTC1d_e17j8qscDi30lSQov48K5Hw1b9gi9xLVlUlSVNz93Fa9tlZzvLX2d39SSV2bNZ918u8p1C_W4qbxjxVcE/s1600/step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7HUfqsvCjUaU-CwzDbkqbEVetPx63cOA0J7Zvq0I6cRG7W8Yp3V5bTC1d_e17j8qscDi30lSQov48K5Hw1b9gi9xLVlUlSVNz93Fa9tlZzvLX2d39SSV2bNZ918u8p1C_W4qbxjxVcE/s320/step+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then i simply put the new panel onto the blind to cover the boats pinned in place to hold it steady while i ironed it. The finished result looks like a panel that has always been there and i still have the option at a later date to revert back to the original blind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The possibilities with this type of blind update are endless you could simply add some pattern to the bottom of a plain white blind or add a few flowers or something to a child's blind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was really pleased with the finished result and for a total spend of around £4 we have a up cycled blind that fits in perfectly with the new room and still have a duvet cover as a spare that matches everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhq3Niyvn64VHtPMvRuU2bCjxB0LA7aZSbHFikdd5UMmb9NE8buoi6QBV0DamVQejnBirjEbMxT_6xa2SFhBbWZ4kDJuU-apzL7XTnYni-xLATtqp3g18oNkAEYAVv1uGKZYx-CqvF-8/s1600/blind+in+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhq3Niyvn64VHtPMvRuU2bCjxB0LA7aZSbHFikdd5UMmb9NE8buoi6QBV0DamVQejnBirjEbMxT_6xa2SFhBbWZ4kDJuU-apzL7XTnYni-xLATtqp3g18oNkAEYAVv1uGKZYx-CqvF-8/s320/blind+in+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I hope i have inspired you to get renovating and doing little things around the home. its always lovely to hear your thoughts and comments so don't be shy stop and say hi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it over to you what have you been doing around your house to make it home. Please feel free to link up your posts new and old that celebrate how you are making it home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="200" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grab the badge and ready steady link ............</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=147099" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-6370113172135916262012-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:002012-06-18T03:48:17.335-07:00To be or not to be a two car family !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusGFMfOVkYeo3t1qzhdcC2em2TMz4dCZrXoufZErYyq1wfXZryoDzTcm8OJfaeC6Z6bllaMY_rChjlGdRE1w29K19PG5YVSWYn-jpcZflTBMyZZbkPYeMnhbfoxAuP46VncUhjpzIKRQ/s1600/cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusGFMfOVkYeo3t1qzhdcC2em2TMz4dCZrXoufZErYyq1wfXZryoDzTcm8OJfaeC6Z6bllaMY_rChjlGdRE1w29K19PG5YVSWYn-jpcZflTBMyZZbkPYeMnhbfoxAuP46VncUhjpzIKRQ/s320/cars.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are trying at the moment to keep our household costs down so recently when my husband changed jobs and handed back the company car we thought we would see if we could manage to be a one car family.<br />
<br />
It sounded so easy and definitely the sensible thing to do but in reality its been a nightmare. Public transport is just not regular or reliable enough to get us where we need to be on time. <br />
<br />
I'm finding myself behind on everything as my day seems to revolve completely round picking up and dropping off various members of the family and i seem to be constantly looking at the clock and running late for something. We tried using our bikes more but this too was a bit of a disaster as hubby had a flat tyre twice in one week and little E is too big for a bike seat and too small to cycle safely beside me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35-pHYFhJ8f_wnXgncMM_OVc7cKznc19iMRnYtWRIRS4JV11sp0pdnVazn_bLFjRmjixDlO9RmoJ5avfWuGsmwdJ3Y0rU-yNZNzJeEc6WrCm1jZkHlGgS_SbVXxF2pm0gxw_ip2lLVjA/s1600/190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35-pHYFhJ8f_wnXgncMM_OVc7cKznc19iMRnYtWRIRS4JV11sp0pdnVazn_bLFjRmjixDlO9RmoJ5avfWuGsmwdJ3Y0rU-yNZNzJeEc6WrCm1jZkHlGgS_SbVXxF2pm0gxw_ip2lLVjA/s320/190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think though for me the hardest thing has been the actual sharing ........... I know this is a terrible revaluation coming from a mother as its something we are always trying to teach our children. However its been my car alone for 10 years i have just been able to jump in and go without having to rearrange everything back to my preferences before setting off. Its stressful enough sometimes as every parent knows getting an unwilling child into a car seat without then having to then mess around with your own seat when already running late!<br />
<br />
After many a family discussion we have decided that we really do need a second car after all one that fits my mums wheelchair and a couple of child seats. To keep costs down we are checking <a href="http://www.tescobank.com/insurance/carins/index.html">car insurance,</a> road tax and running costs first before making our choice on a car. I'm a fan of Tesco they seem to be competitively priced and with the added bonus of collecting club card points. I love collecting the points and using them against family days out in the summer holidays. Last year we exchanged our points for a lovely day out in Lego land that would of cost around £50 if we had of brought tickets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb5SQvCkcsmAu-_5h1A8hEeblZFFqljhc9Ty11Ctcrz9zrbwc5shrqa7E8GVHovjBGGOWXAYqJ1sdS1fPK_RtbPeBtU65d4_pTxOvBd_uvO2_0sM_OEkaMrDEpb66OSfrRSebH7ZQcMM/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb5SQvCkcsmAu-_5h1A8hEeblZFFqljhc9Ty11Ctcrz9zrbwc5shrqa7E8GVHovjBGGOWXAYqJ1sdS1fPK_RtbPeBtU65d4_pTxOvBd_uvO2_0sM_OEkaMrDEpb66OSfrRSebH7ZQcMM/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think when our circumstances are different we will give being a one car family another try but for now i think a two car family we will have to be.<br />
<br />
Its always lovely to hear your thoughts and comments maybe you have had the same experience as us or maybe greater success car sharing.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day...................... Be nice and share!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sponsored post <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-32754215947518296662012-05-22T13:08:00.002-07:002012-05-22T13:08:51.087-07:00Making it home .......... Home staging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqWv1nYaaL_C1Knzz6gzPWseCLONqnr5AJI97hgF3eqpspqJI0Ib7mdj6O-Rc6ww57LpTmA4W5Zjva2k8YNvspPaW6RKUQswACkrcMSxBxnd-GuahMNdGNQKtPshHYhONaOt_KctnPNo/s1600/after+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqWv1nYaaL_C1Knzz6gzPWseCLONqnr5AJI97hgF3eqpspqJI0Ib7mdj6O-Rc6ww57LpTmA4W5Zjva2k8YNvspPaW6RKUQswACkrcMSxBxnd-GuahMNdGNQKtPshHYhONaOt_KctnPNo/s400/after+cottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to the Making it home blog hop a little space to share ideas and link up everything about making a house home. This can be anything home related from inspiration right through to major renovations and everything in between. If this is your first visit and you want to find out more about making it home here is the link to the <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html">first post</a> and our <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/making%20it%20home">renovations</a> so far!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This weeks post from me has a bit of a twist as its about making the most of your space and getting the best price when selling your home. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnAzq5tz_mDuAZE5683WK1J7z1hJssw2D-PRk0hfdqbrkKnKpHtPROaUlPu8DcqTjYkfBKJx344YLMpZ4llVhQyr3N7UsCrNeO6woy2V2kLjzp9goK-FAH8dz9qEMehij9JfXbQ6aL2Q/s1600/5+LITTLE+LANGLEY+SITT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnAzq5tz_mDuAZE5683WK1J7z1hJssw2D-PRk0hfdqbrkKnKpHtPROaUlPu8DcqTjYkfBKJx344YLMpZ4llVhQyr3N7UsCrNeO6woy2V2kLjzp9goK-FAH8dz9qEMehij9JfXbQ6aL2Q/s320/5+LITTLE+LANGLEY+SITT.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The picture above shows a home we purchased several years ago that had been on the market for over a year without any offers. Lots of people had viewed it but had not been able to see past the layout or furnishings. Buyers often perceive work needed to cost more than it actually does and often can not even see past the current layout. Luckily for us i could visualise the space improved and we purchased the house for a really good price as it had been considerably price dropped to sell. This is the trouble when selling a house some estate agents won't advise you on the improvements you can make to help sell your house instead they will keep advising you to drop the price. This of course is good if your buying but not if your selling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqWv1nYaaL_C1Knzz6gzPWseCLONqnr5AJI97hgF3eqpspqJI0Ib7mdj6O-Rc6ww57LpTmA4W5Zjva2k8YNvspPaW6RKUQswACkrcMSxBxnd-GuahMNdGNQKtPshHYhONaOt_KctnPNo/s1600/after+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqWv1nYaaL_C1Knzz6gzPWseCLONqnr5AJI97hgF3eqpspqJI0Ib7mdj6O-Rc6ww57LpTmA4W5Zjva2k8YNvspPaW6RKUQswACkrcMSxBxnd-GuahMNdGNQKtPshHYhONaOt_KctnPNo/s400/after+cottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The above picture shows the changes made to the lounge to increase appeal ..........<br />
The lounge instantly feels bigger and brighter with the sofas re arranged and the floor cleared of unnessasary items. A spacious dining area is created by pulling the table into the middle of the space and the window dressings simplified giving a less cluttered look. The walls were already painted in a neutral shade so all that was needed paint wise to brighten the room was painting the dark woodwork. The carpet is the original carpet that looks much lighter without the dark rug. The lovely fireplace is made into a focal point of the room being framed with a picture and bookcases either side.<br />
<br />
The changes made here cost considerably less than the price drop on the property and when we later went to sell we sold on second viewing for near asking price. It really is worth investing in your property before putting it up for sale to get the best price from your property.<br />
<br />
I would really love to help people struggling to sell so if you need some help please feel free to contact me.<br />
<br />
<br />
That's it from me this week from making it home with a twist now its over to you lovely people to link up your posts about all things making it home.<br />
<br />
feel free to grab a badge here's the code.........<br />
<br />
<img height="200" src="file:///C:/Users/cove/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/ZS1BXPJJ/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" width="129" /><br />
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Most importantly here is the link<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=146296" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /> </div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-31178088710078042862012-05-18T14:25:00.000-07:002012-06-18T03:49:11.938-07:00Kids craft subscriptions direct to your door<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WsC-wCANZ71WnHjwgl3yzLKt5HhQyvGdLwmzf47MzwxpBNCkD349JyA3fx0ErLrDTy0lkbSfFVH8k4mDcXjpa2p02nqZWmTLhXZn5koXBP62sZVHhqwenMUVVPPHakNv5vfSssDeH4w/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WsC-wCANZ71WnHjwgl3yzLKt5HhQyvGdLwmzf47MzwxpBNCkD349JyA3fx0ErLrDTy0lkbSfFVH8k4mDcXjpa2p02nqZWmTLhXZn5koXBP62sZVHhqwenMUVVPPHakNv5vfSssDeH4w/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes as a parent its really difficult to keep coming up with different ideas to entertain the children and keep them amused. When i heard about <a href="http://www.tinytigs.co.uk/#!" rel="nofollow">Tiny Tigs</a> childrens craft subscriptions i thought what a fantastic idea and was really excited when i was asked to try them out and review them.<br />
<br />
We love making things but sometimes find that a trip to the shop is needed before we even start as something is unavailable at home. The craft shop then seems to only sell things in big packs for example we needed a pair of googly eyes the other day for something little E had seen on Mr Maker i had to buy a pack of 25 to avoid a tantrum. Now we are left with 23 eyes therefore at some point in the future we will be making a one eyed monster as 23 is never going to make pairs !!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9__vHRwngmGC6-GL6H7whZUDYOkATqXqgVg-izx-9TM6kW-OnEYpTRjmJ-f0PO7HKlszCBJQBM51lx-IChgprg2ExrQZMIoVp9eLWzBR4oPHhFFoBBZHcZrlc7NUV-TpoZBDlbYRTHko/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9__vHRwngmGC6-GL6H7whZUDYOkATqXqgVg-izx-9TM6kW-OnEYpTRjmJ-f0PO7HKlszCBJQBM51lx-IChgprg2ExrQZMIoVp9eLWzBR4oPHhFFoBBZHcZrlc7NUV-TpoZBDlbYRTHko/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luckily our craft pack arrived today from Tiny Tigs and as promised it contained three complete projects with clear instructions and everything you needed to make them with the exception of glue. <br />
The monthly packs are seasonal and our May pack was no exception and was very on trend being jubilee inspired. <br />
<br />
The projects came very well packed and i thought it was a really nice touch that they are addressed to the child, little E recognised his name straight away and excitedly ripped it open before i even got to the door. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeObF1TugKsu3vUtrOnsyNIT7R9gG-909fTre6N7rV83FnmBEUl6pIz_QuaOgjJGskTTCmY5JMZudx98hzbuOB-Q-Xe0PcUoV0Hv42p8r6SvohsQF79xjAVCugO9-GxbTiSPMTSgpHPQ/s1600/tiny+tigs+making+bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeObF1TugKsu3vUtrOnsyNIT7R9gG-909fTre6N7rV83FnmBEUl6pIz_QuaOgjJGskTTCmY5JMZudx98hzbuOB-Q-Xe0PcUoV0Hv42p8r6SvohsQF79xjAVCugO9-GxbTiSPMTSgpHPQ/s320/tiny+tigs+making+bunting.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Every month there are three projects in the pack and the may pack contained jubilee bunting, a crown project and a vase of flowers to make.<br />
<br />
The first of the three we had ago at was the Jubilee bunting the instructions were clear and easy to follow and the templates were a good quality print. Little E had ago at cutting out with the childrens scissors in the pack and really enjoyed the sticking and rolling but the threading was a bit too fidly for him so i helped out. Crafting is a really good way to spend some quality time with children and teach them new skills, older children would need less supervision and the finished results would be neater. <br />
<br />
We were both really pleased with our efforts and the end result looked good enough to hang up on the bookcase in our lounge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuJ5McRXdx0t4k-VRQ-Z3KP9EM9tt7YKxEUmGzLS4luDlIm2ALShSYkgbWVCFlISHsTAmMBJssT8CT8g0f9XIKxw60EBqLX3D3c15ZnUAO3YFwyT0sfbjkDsJUcr3LMfcQ0Jaxj_nzBY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuJ5McRXdx0t4k-VRQ-Z3KP9EM9tt7YKxEUmGzLS4luDlIm2ALShSYkgbWVCFlISHsTAmMBJssT8CT8g0f9XIKxw60EBqLX3D3c15ZnUAO3YFwyT0sfbjkDsJUcr3LMfcQ0Jaxj_nzBY/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My intention was to make just one of the packs and then put the other two away for another day so i had something on standby when inspiration was lacking and i had a bored child to amuse fast!<br />
<br />
Little E however had other ideas he enjoyed the first pack so much he wanted to do another and as i was not keen to play the 30th game of snakes and ladders of the day i readily agreed. <br />
<br />
We next had a go at one of the crowns (2 included) this was again a really easy to follow project with pre cut templates and lots of bits to decorate with. Little E covered the crown with glue and stuck on absolutely everything including the bits for the second crown and the spare bits. This project needed less mum involvement in fact he even told me to get off when i tried to put on a jewel myself. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY-xljEoiZfGfquQjOp78Q4obssEfBRvEsT9gwX7ylOLmTLQJIIb-IAzK8iuf1wNTrAq5FlRAcrn8Yn4FyVMO4xy9WqNzlPrikjvcWXk3saz7U6nVmc1NhBPgwe2xoMgFv2WXs4tGJwM/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY-xljEoiZfGfquQjOp78Q4obssEfBRvEsT9gwX7ylOLmTLQJIIb-IAzK8iuf1wNTrAq5FlRAcrn8Yn4FyVMO4xy9WqNzlPrikjvcWXk3saz7U6nVmc1NhBPgwe2xoMgFv2WXs4tGJwM/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am sure having this crown is going to be a blessing in the very near future when i get a last minuite note from the nursery asking for jubilee fancy dress.Yes ........ i have been caught out before and had to burn the midnight oil for world book day when i did not notice it on the calender till late the night before and sent little E as a pirate from um um um treasure island! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The final project was a vase and flowers which allowed little E to be a bit more free style with how the vase was decorated i think this is good as it allowed him to be creative. He loves glitter and covered the whole thing in glue and then tipped over nearly a whole pot of glitter and sequins. A bunch of flowers fit to give the queen should she pass our way! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hT9Pt4eb4RBF32AxrARwkTgzZkdQcnkAANzGhSl_qSyX8qFXJp9KfNCe0R-xubpnVOPc7Q2ImN5p_gbLhbV9NZ0rSrdAlx-msyKJWfTLFAvfwLFFo-8Ah2TEWsW5x_R8lYMQEVG9E00/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hT9Pt4eb4RBF32AxrARwkTgzZkdQcnkAANzGhSl_qSyX8qFXJp9KfNCe0R-xubpnVOPc7Q2ImN5p_gbLhbV9NZ0rSrdAlx-msyKJWfTLFAvfwLFFo-8Ah2TEWsW5x_R8lYMQEVG9E00/s320/016.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a really lovely afternoon crafting and i think the packs are a really good idea if your stuck for ideas of what to do with the children. There were a few bits and bobs left over too that would spark ideas for other projects and encourage some more creativity.<br />
<br />
There is a <a href="http://www.tinytigs.co.uk/#!membership-options" rel="nofollow">special offer</a> on at the moment a six month gift pack with free painting apron and free delivery all for £39 this gift pack contains 18 craft packs in total sent out over 6 months so plenty of ideas. I recently brought little E a painting apron and this alone cost me nearly £10. It would be a great present for a grandparent or someone to give a child as its lovely for children to get something through the post every month rather than just on their birthday.<br />
<br />
Thought of the day ............................ Children thrive on a creative mind !<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-44441541935657390562012-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:002012-05-16T12:27:08.311-07:00Cybher experience ....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This time last week i was getting slightly nervous ahead of attending Cybher as it was the first blog event i have ever attended . It probably sounds silly being nervous however i just didn't really know what to expect and felt a bit like the new girl on the first day at school.<br />
<br />
I travelled down on the Friday night ahead of the event and thanks to being the lucky winner of the tots100 most like to meet competition i enjoyed a child free night in hotel Z in Soho. The hotel was fantastic and i enjoyed my first undisturbed nights sleep in 3 years . I think once you have children your body loses the ability to sleep in, i was still wide awake long before the alarm. I did however manage a rare treat a hot..yes hot cup of tea in bed with a great view of singing in the rain. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmNKI7-RP-YkX3AF0aXD8GsS7n2hKXtqJLVIvItyrlP3pKJkEVjXTuoe1w1HxzgIDYDHuLmOUvv5y93gJ6eVt-x0jJXdQw3SiZE9_aoqbM236REtW9K18lNMhlerEBTyh_p5JTZXp7G0/s1600/singing+in+the+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmNKI7-RP-YkX3AF0aXD8GsS7n2hKXtqJLVIvItyrlP3pKJkEVjXTuoe1w1HxzgIDYDHuLmOUvv5y93gJ6eVt-x0jJXdQw3SiZE9_aoqbM236REtW9K18lNMhlerEBTyh_p5JTZXp7G0/s320/singing+in+the+rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I really had nothing to be nervous about i was really welcomed and looked after i was invited out for drinks on the Friday night by the very lovely Helen ( Actually mummy). Unfortunately i arrived too late and a bit stressed following missing my train and then having a taxi trauma to take her up on the kind offer. I did however manage to meet up with the following lovely ladies Tea and Biscotti, mother wife me and daily mum on the morning of the conference so i did not have to go it alone and was well looked after.<br />
<br />
Once we arrived at the venue we were all given a welcome pack a gorgeous satchel containing goodies to see us through the day. The satchel is beautiful and i hope one day i can afford an Ipad to put in it as it would fit in this soooooooo nicely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ExmNfz-gHJ9pY_x2nBaHCfDXcvI-Mx3jfUIcIYhlVeCpGPkveRdFqJ4O6K4fTRKKiuuZBq_O9_AZQ1DbYK2BfAnLt05iperIiayCAzeswWLaM2R154Nge0Z_DB_QazhMUB1ihWPV_mM/s1600/cybher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ExmNfz-gHJ9pY_x2nBaHCfDXcvI-Mx3jfUIcIYhlVeCpGPkveRdFqJ4O6K4fTRKKiuuZBq_O9_AZQ1DbYK2BfAnLt05iperIiayCAzeswWLaM2R154Nge0Z_DB_QazhMUB1ihWPV_mM/s320/cybher.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once coffee had been enjoyed by all we had a welcome and introductions session and then it was off into smaller groups for enjoyable informative sessions. Each session was around 45mins and there was a choice of four options each time so there was something for every ones style and ability.<br />
<br />
My favourite session of the day was thrifty blogger as this is really a direction i want to continue taking making it as mum and it was fantastic to see ways i can expand on this and help readers make money go further.<br />
<br />
During lunch i got more time to socialise and meet more of the friendly faces behind the wonderful blogs i read. Everyone was far more organised than me however as they took business cards this is something that did not even cross my mind but one worth remembering if your thinking of attending a similar event. I did spot a post it note pad on the side and very very briefly the thought crossed my mind to write out a few out.<br />
<br />
Making it as mum............ thrifty blogger..... so thrifty she uses free post its for business cards........... <br />
<br />
I was tempted but don't worry i didn't i just politely collected cards and then got back in touch once i arrived home.<br />
<br />
I would definitely say to anyone thinking about going to a blog event go for it, it is really lovely to come out from behind the safety of the computer and talk to like minded people. Best of all though to put faces to the people you chat to on twitter and the wonderful blogs you read everyone truly is as lovely in person as they appear on screen.<br />
<br />
So that brings me nicely on to who did i vote my most want to meet to win this wonderful prize ........... well it was a tricky choice how do you choose with so many wonderful people out there. After much deliberation my most like to meet was Kate on thin ice for the wonderful things she does to help other mums find their groove again.<br />
<br />
It was a truly wonderful prize and a massive thank you to tots100 for a truly wonderful day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzozgdqiMAh4fB5Y2rilawBuOG3ge1Xhyi3lSe87YV4LUdqc8Fh42EgFNp-MGqXZRoaZTbi5g-0rK37QJWiQHKnj_EQGZ4ZKWUMGfTFPLjTqUsg2lrZYr5F3S2wRjb2EqlSDkz44MwwE/s1600/catching+flies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzozgdqiMAh4fB5Y2rilawBuOG3ge1Xhyi3lSe87YV4LUdqc8Fh42EgFNp-MGqXZRoaZTbi5g-0rK37QJWiQHKnj_EQGZ4ZKWUMGfTFPLjTqUsg2lrZYr5F3S2wRjb2EqlSDkz44MwwE/s320/catching+flies.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once the day came to a close there was one person however more than any other in the world i was looking forward to seeing and that was my gorgeous boy. I enjoyed my trip away and the sleep was bliss but its always nice to get home to the family. My cuddle from little E had to wait till the next day though as try as he might he just could not stay awake for my late train and when i arrived at the station bless him he was already catching flies.<br />
<br />
He was so excited the next day when he crept into my room at the usual 5.30 am and screamed in an excited voice oh mummy is that really you? I missed you mummy aggghhhhhhhhhh xxxxxxx<br />
<br />
The best alarm call ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought of the day........................... You need to be in it to win it xxx<br />
<br /><br /> </div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-24202300894902009052012-05-14T05:49:00.001-07:002012-05-17T05:15:43.248-07:00Making it home.... Boys space bedroom on a budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokXcUKZavraQ-LxXnkFsj70kKeipNifDf1v6Sfz79172KqonJZDU0hnFVdRkq9FqvbLqP_WUog9_muBiMmLcohW0AZYN42cqF0HEKPUUXQLbBV_CmUX2-rApGrPJ6H2L7HmYt9VWb-l0/s1600/we+have+lift+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokXcUKZavraQ-LxXnkFsj70kKeipNifDf1v6Sfz79172KqonJZDU0hnFVdRkq9FqvbLqP_WUog9_muBiMmLcohW0AZYN42cqF0HEKPUUXQLbBV_CmUX2-rApGrPJ6H2L7HmYt9VWb-l0/s320/we+have+lift+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have lift off !!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the next instalment of making it home a little link to share ideas and all things interiors that help to make a house home. Every Monday i put up a post on the progress of our house renovations or share inspiration and ideas or must haves for the home. <br />
<br />
I love to save money and time where i can as there is only so much of both when your a mum so you can be reassured whatever i share will be aimed at making life easier cheaper and more beautiful. <br />
<br />
I hope you will join in by writing similar posts or linking up old posts that provide inspiration for making your house home. If this is your first visit and you want to find out more about <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html">making it home</a> or see the progress so far on the <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/making-it-home-relaxing-natural-bedroom.html?utm_source=BP_recent">bedroom</a> or <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-planning-and-updating.html?utm_source=BP_recent">kitchen</a> or <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html">bathroom</a> just click on the links.<br />
<br />
Anyway without further ado here is my latest update.............<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjG5ueI9NZ24RGS6hoqLjZ9VkpzzYHOqH5674v4XhA3YDViY1lBPayp8eoi-ZLj_tcH9OtqbnH2Os4IwUlC3Yfc8hHBtwVtHOM1WynjV-m2gwVOkon8XhzQCvKVw5pWRQUciAFqsD3BU/s1600/lift+off+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjG5ueI9NZ24RGS6hoqLjZ9VkpzzYHOqH5674v4XhA3YDViY1lBPayp8eoi-ZLj_tcH9OtqbnH2Os4IwUlC3Yfc8hHBtwVtHOM1WynjV-m2gwVOkon8XhzQCvKVw5pWRQUciAFqsD3BU/s320/lift+off+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Moving and renovating can be quite unsettling for small children so the first project we tackled when <br />
we moved in was little E's bedroom to get him settled and feeling safe in the new home. The bedroom he has now is half the size of the <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/nautical-boat-bedroom-on-budget.html">nautical bedroom</a> he left behind so some creativity was definitely going to be called for to give him a space he loves excuse the pun !!<br />
<br />
To help settle him and make the room seem comfortable and familiar i started by painting the walls a similar colour to his previous room using satin paint as it reflects light better and is wipe able a real must in a child's room. The next thing we needed to do was raise the money to buy him some new furniture as his bed was now too small and wardrobe and changer no longer needed. <br />
<br />
We listed his old furniture on EBay and the money raised was the budget to spend on the new bedroom. Selling his old outgrown items we raised £275 so my challenge was to create a boys bedroom for £275 or less but technically its created for free as recycled money i guess!!<br />
<br />
I wanted to get a bed that was good quality and going to last him for a good few years so i opted for an oak single as this would last and adapt to fit most schemes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolaJ6dvtZzpIcelJC0mwIehswoOZj3dJVUKEB08uUp2HJBK4H0mve1rOb-bbkWv5Wntdzx6o5iid_IYH4cGz0326FjhXPwa6v5_x4jX6LkS1fMiYYQvYAAVWvVP6UXsngnKaSRXKIAgo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolaJ6dvtZzpIcelJC0mwIehswoOZj3dJVUKEB08uUp2HJBK4H0mve1rOb-bbkWv5Wntdzx6o5iid_IYH4cGz0326FjhXPwa6v5_x4jX6LkS1fMiYYQvYAAVWvVP6UXsngnKaSRXKIAgo/s320/006.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I shopped around and found this bed as an ex display item in a local bed shop who were changing round to make room for new stock. It is always worth looking at ex display items as they have not been used and you don't need to wait for them as in stock. This bed and mattress cost £159 a real bargain for what would of been £359 if i had of ordered it.<br />
<br />
This left me £116 to finish the room so i had to search and spend wisely my first bargain was found when doing my weekly food shop at Sainsbury's i picked up this very lovely star duvet cover and pillow case for £7.50. It's a really good match for the wall colour and also picks up on the old blind we brought with us from the old house. <br />
<br />
The stars then got me thinking along the lines of space and from there the room started to evolve and take shape. Next i looked at storage the room had a really large double size wardrobe too big for little E's small clothes and then a small cupboard next to it which did not really give enough room to store toys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYAg2oRkbndSeEBGPYfBHXttsWT-6ioJv9E9ul-nihcqRbrHBZ_gZ3pHQ2kOm38leC7AX0epTjXWXtsPjtbAZ_yvNOn3wbjbhHI8lpEBWn6VjA_3zq5_8E3McINGYgcQv1wzie1iKYOs/s1600/lift+off+ward+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYAg2oRkbndSeEBGPYfBHXttsWT-6ioJv9E9ul-nihcqRbrHBZ_gZ3pHQ2kOm38leC7AX0epTjXWXtsPjtbAZ_yvNOn3wbjbhHI8lpEBWn6VjA_3zq5_8E3McINGYgcQv1wzie1iKYOs/s320/lift+off+ward+closed.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The most cost effective way to get the storage we really needed was to remove the hanging rail from the wardrobe and cut it into two making smaller rails to fit into the small cupboard making perfect double hanging for E's small clothes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0J7YhNFEvVn7XTMZ1RIu3Tt9kIj5gMOuzuoUfil8MOGINw-WzQubVpOIqYBSKXkCzxINsftJijGPajHjstnSoil2-0Zgd-cF0Bxp8BMtiQwG90VCh8wNuA5-5P80wdHjKHTKJtgrRYw/s1600/lift+off+open+ward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0J7YhNFEvVn7XTMZ1RIu3Tt9kIj5gMOuzuoUfil8MOGINw-WzQubVpOIqYBSKXkCzxINsftJijGPajHjstnSoil2-0Zgd-cF0Bxp8BMtiQwG90VCh8wNuA5-5P80wdHjKHTKJtgrRYw/s320/lift+off+open+ward.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We then just brought some wood and batons from a builders merchant for £25 (cheaper than going to diy store) and made the large wardrobe into a shelved toy cupboard and painted the shelves white to match the room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The inside of a cupboard or wardrobe is the perfect place to display childrens artwork and little bits and pieces sort of like an open up gallery. A few handy hooks on the inside off the other door are great for bags and all the other bits that don't have a home to hang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0hOrLLElGSdv9faVy2C4K3mHRwUQVKHR3H0o0ivt1HQa8e2cD-XuMXr2KcHxO3XXi7fUYrEEeUgOjODLw0jDOOxeUsYYcUNT-LKbailNg2KrBCGAs4nw539ZaFXK8IJ0MC8v8K0eA18/s1600/lift+off+open+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0hOrLLElGSdv9faVy2C4K3mHRwUQVKHR3H0o0ivt1HQa8e2cD-XuMXr2KcHxO3XXi7fUYrEEeUgOjODLw0jDOOxeUsYYcUNT-LKbailNg2KrBCGAs4nw539ZaFXK8IJ0MC8v8K0eA18/s320/lift+off+open+toys.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse the mess, at least i can just shut the door on it at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Left with £83.50 i searched for an in expensive way to inject some fun into the room by way off a wall sticker. I found it quite hard to find something fun and tasteful as a lot of children's stickers can be a bit tacky on the front as well as the back ha ha!<br />
<br />
Eventually Ebay came to the rescue and i picked up this lovely space theme for £20 and they were even kind enough to send contrasting colour stars free of charge. Wall stickers are really easy to apply and are a great inexpensive way to add fun to a room.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3sWkoSaN_VLgJdCsahKoeufsjWLv5i7CJ32dMgr28tf1a8eBP6jdlo72XU79g_GOl0PvMw-rT_UFy20Z1NGOJscAgECPKMFuitOfXGBJgmtSlesrbJlnPsah8ZZVS_DajrQSinbrKYw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3sWkoSaN_VLgJdCsahKoeufsjWLv5i7CJ32dMgr28tf1a8eBP6jdlo72XU79g_GOl0PvMw-rT_UFy20Z1NGOJscAgECPKMFuitOfXGBJgmtSlesrbJlnPsah8ZZVS_DajrQSinbrKYw/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to apply and little E loved to help create his space!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ebay also came to the rescue with the lovely space throw at the end of the bed complete with cushion and pillow case £9.50 including postage. I will tell you a bit more about this in another post as they will be changing slightly into more!!<br />
<br />
My final £54 this went mainly to Argos where i purchased the lovely cube storage units with star and stripe boxes one as a bed side table and one at the end of the bed for £30 the next £10 went to next the little cubes on the wall and the last bit to the charity shop lamp and light shade.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIuGdMrNJzq8cnF9hJCPshsnM8Fk_Tz-4JyVEsAvvQGFDPitD-cGa9eaKGPMJdBCTS8EWqpqDiN73-RRRNuuY4PNyclrsuh_SvQm1kyb5ZYNN5-jzIRdhzKGts5QPFuDEcsDmge4app0/s1600/lift+off+bedside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIuGdMrNJzq8cnF9hJCPshsnM8Fk_Tz-4JyVEsAvvQGFDPitD-cGa9eaKGPMJdBCTS8EWqpqDiN73-RRRNuuY4PNyclrsuh_SvQm1kyb5ZYNN5-jzIRdhzKGts5QPFuDEcsDmge4app0/s320/lift+off+bedside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There you have it a little space from recycled money and bargain finds. I will also be linking up this post on <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/">Monday magpie</a> and <a href="http://www.pret-a-mummy.com/">Thrifty Thursday</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope you have been inspired to get renovating its always lovely to hear from you please feel free to leave a comment.<br />
<br />
Now its over to you to link up how you are making it home with your ideas inspiration renovations and pinterest anything goes ........... ready steady link xx<br />
<br />
Thought of the day................. In every home there is space if you look for it xx<br />
<br /></div>
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=145039" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-10427765805180080932012-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:002012-05-13T01:08:09.881-07:00Blogging for Madeleine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>Please look very closely at these images do you recognise me ??</strong><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="" height="600" src="http://www.findmadeleine.com/images/april2012/madeleine_splash_image.png" width="625" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm writing this post as part of <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>The campaign #blogging4madeleine<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
to help raise much needed awareness to find Madeleine and reunite a torn apart family.<br />
<br />
We all look forward to our family holidays a time to cherish and spend together with the family away from the daily routine. The mere thought of going away as a family and returning without your child and not knowing where they are is just to hard to even comprehend for any parent.<br />
<br />
This sadly became a reality for the McCann family when three year old Madeleine went missing from their hotel room whilst on holiday in <strong>Praia da Luz in Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007. </strong><br />
<br />
Madeleine has now been missing for 5 years and today <strong>12th May 2012 is her 9th birthday</strong> a time usually for celebration but for the Mcann family sadly another day of wondering and searching. <br />
<br />
I'm a mother of a 3 year old the age Madeleine was when she went missing and it breaks my heart to even think what the McCann family are going through and as a mother i want to do everything i can to help and i hope that you will join me and help to.<br />
<br />
Madeleine could be anywhere in the world...... Its really important to get these images seen outside the UK. Just imagine if we all helped every one of us from all over the world she could be recognised and found. We need to get these images seen as much as possible and Blogs are a great way to do this as your readers may be from anywhere in the world and someone just may remember something vital or recognise the images. More information on blogging for Madeleine can be found at <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://amummysview.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">AMummysView</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> or <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://teaandbiscotti.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Tea and Biscotti</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
Please take another look at these images have you seen her do you remember anything ??<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="content"><img align="left" alt="" height="600" src="http://www.findmadeleine.com/images/april2012/madeleine_splash_image.png" width="625" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> If you have any information at all that may lead to helping find Madeleine? please urgently contact the police or call any of the numbers shown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Operation Grange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">0207 321 9251 (in the UK)<br />
</span><a href="tel:%2B44%20207%20321%209251" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">+44 207 321 9251</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(non-UK)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Or </span><a href="mailto:Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk</span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">OR Crimestoppers <em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">in confidence</span></em> on 0800
555111 or </span><a href="http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www.crimestoppers-uk.org</span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Find Madeleine official website </span></b><a href="http://www.findmadeleine.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.findmadeleine.com</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">My heart and thoughts today are with the McCann family and i hope together we can really make a difference and find Madeleine. I hope the new incentive opens vital new leads and awareness.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thought of the day.............. Together we can make a difference</span></span></div>
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-77952255413171332142012-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:002012-05-10T12:53:59.646-07:00Cybher Meet and Greet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp_UHUnOeTQ3fOygYGU_gW2d9ri_1tFpfncWzNciPBUV5nkEl2KHV5aQi-VAqNtXX1-DDzupnn6kbE7dDi7HYQR0NuX9GavvTUkL_TVHNA99lxKh-agBNjt4gzemMnDl5AgGHReBFVVw/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp_UHUnOeTQ3fOygYGU_gW2d9ri_1tFpfncWzNciPBUV5nkEl2KHV5aQi-VAqNtXX1-DDzupnn6kbE7dDi7HYQR0NuX9GavvTUkL_TVHNA99lxKh-agBNjt4gzemMnDl5AgGHReBFVVw/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just two days now till cybher and I'm a mix of nervous and excited as this is the first blog event i have been to and not really sure what to expect. It will be lovely to meet in person the faces behind some of the wonderful blogs i read and the people i tweet. <br />
<br />
I had been stupidly dithering about attending the event as being a fairly new bee blogger i was not sure i was ready and then on a whim i decided to enter the tots100 competition. I nearly fell off my chair when the email came through telling me i had actually won. It seems fate is not such a ditherer as me and if i was not going to be brave enough to book that ticket luck was on my side and kindly decided i was to go.<br />
<br />
So here i am a very lucky girl indeed getting the chance to attend this fantastic event and i can't wait. I will shortly be raiding my wardrobe and packing my bag for a child free night in a hotel ahead of the event. I hope the wardrobe has miraculously found me some different items to pack as when i looked this morning it was not hopeful !!<br />
<br />
Anyway without further a do here is a bit about me a meet and greet ahead of the event...<br />
<br />
Name ........ Catherine but better known as Cat simply because at some point someone referred to me and hubby as Cat 'n ' Matt and it kinda stuck !!<br />
<br />
Blog ......<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/"> Making it as mum</a><br />
Twitter ID @theroomset<br />
Height 5ft nothing!<br />
Hair Dark blond and straight i hope!! ........... damp day as frizz alert!<br />
<br />
<br />
Five things you should know about me<br />
<br />
1, I love a bargain <br />
2, I'm a serial house mover<br />
3. Very partial to a cup of tea and go on then the odd biscuit<br />
4. terrified of birds flapping and feathers<br />
5. I always finish my blog posts with a thought of the day.<br />
<br />
That's me ..........very much looking forward to meeting you at Cybher<br />
<br />
Thought of the day............ Stop thinking start packing !!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-6262254436848199622012-05-06T15:22:00.001-07:002012-05-14T10:40:35.063-07:00Making it home ........ Relaxing natural bedroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2UVQwNZD4KdKmhLmjunA53oqGvIMk5y7oAFGVacP6Ek7L92jk3TgeSqxvD0VORkbiP6Wmbpj8qIZcoKan2mMkJOmyzWNOduom1nQiB5Bv1XescKjyXsB48hAdI0T5W-qfqB2_mS-r4A/s1600/bed+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2UVQwNZD4KdKmhLmjunA53oqGvIMk5y7oAFGVacP6Ek7L92jk3TgeSqxvD0VORkbiP6Wmbpj8qIZcoKan2mMkJOmyzWNOduom1nQiB5Bv1XescKjyXsB48hAdI0T5W-qfqB2_mS-r4A/s320/bed+1.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the Making it home linky a little space in blogsphere to share ideas, inspiration
and home improvement posts. Thank you to all of you who joined in over the last few weeks some amazing ideas shared and beautiful posts showing the amazing
improvements you have made to your homes and inspiration and items you have found..<br />
<br />
If
this is your first visit and you want to find out more about <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">making it home</span></a> please take a look at my first post to find
out what its all about.<br />
<br />
Here's this weeks update for me on the renovation progress in our house ....<br />
<br />
Work has finally started this week on our kitchen but i thought i would spare you the horrors of the building work stage as its looking quite scary at the moment!! The house as you can imagine is in chaos as the temporary kitchen in currently in the lounge and the bathroom is the only place with running water until the kitchen sink goes back in. <br />
<br />
We started work on our bedroom a few weeks ago and although its not quite finished it is giving us a relaxing space to retreat from the building work and a lovely space to rest our weary heads after our evenings of painting.<br />
<br />
When we moved into the house as you can see the bedroom was a bit dated and in need of a bit of TLC but was a good sized room with lots of potential.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmISxYhoX5rwD4GfNnilBSLeWGYnsr9Ns9cc4uEnmzKCLltLjmVGiN6ndlCIwdtnRwFucrX5nSzpMv17Wu5urHTlHzQuvU9kqe6Sz4puGSQCw-2dGgoxY95a2rFJQagINsJqK3k6gm4I/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmISxYhoX5rwD4GfNnilBSLeWGYnsr9Ns9cc4uEnmzKCLltLjmVGiN6ndlCIwdtnRwFucrX5nSzpMv17Wu5urHTlHzQuvU9kqe6Sz4puGSQCw-2dGgoxY95a2rFJQagINsJqK3k6gm4I/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The first thing we did was replace the carpet and change it for a natural colour to flow with the other rooms in the house and provide a neutral base for the start of any colour scheme. We then replaced the old fashioned pine pole and put up some temporary white curtains that we brought with us from our old house. I will soon upcycle a pair of linen curtains with a splash of colour added to liven up the room but for now the white ones are doing a good job!<br />
<br />
I really want to have a nature inspired theme to the house and had fallen for the Laura Ashley cottonwood wallpaper for the bedroom, however we were going to need five rolls and at around £40 a roll i shopped around and found a really good birch tree equivalent at next for £15 a roll a big saving. We wallpapered two walls and painted the remaining walls in a complimentary mushroom colour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx7KJ_HLrGS8IerjgQjupIybE90gpNMycav36RZR9BdFQCyTB-NIwoN3joL38a3dIvdC-0px5hf7JRTJlfCOvq2mROiEod2rkPTYOPB2jqfdEiPRAPUTeNhbBbX6pkbfY3ZF_mkcK3pY/s1600/bed+main+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx7KJ_HLrGS8IerjgQjupIybE90gpNMycav36RZR9BdFQCyTB-NIwoN3joL38a3dIvdC-0px5hf7JRTJlfCOvq2mROiEod2rkPTYOPB2jqfdEiPRAPUTeNhbBbX6pkbfY3ZF_mkcK3pY/s320/bed+main+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The bedroom is a slightly irregular shape where a built in wardrobe is and i have always wanted a dressing table so our hall console table from our old house has made a perfect little dressing table to fit into the gap and for now until i find a lovely stool a leather dining chair is giving me a perfect seat. The small glass dressing table mirror and trinket pots are really pretty and bounce light around the room when we get a rare glimpse of sunshine through our windows. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRoEwjNyzGWbzJM4s1Lmmy6siNn8pGJtg4_nZsn3puaFHemeZaIpnBHZ68L9NuPM0k9ys8he35RmBzgoDYoIMczeRjpRcZ7EBD5swLOGur5q-7ul9i3V0WSP7NXnuseb2VAw7apku3jo/s1600/bedroom+dressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRoEwjNyzGWbzJM4s1Lmmy6siNn8pGJtg4_nZsn3puaFHemeZaIpnBHZ68L9NuPM0k9ys8he35RmBzgoDYoIMczeRjpRcZ7EBD5swLOGur5q-7ul9i3V0WSP7NXnuseb2VAw7apku3jo/s320/bedroom+dressing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The fitted wardrobe was not really designed for sharing but hubby has been very handy and has moved the existing rail up and made space to fit another rail below to give us double hanging and maximise the space. He has then fitted hooks inside the doors as a handy place for my scarfs and jewellery. I have used pretty storage boxes dotted around for storing hairdryer and other little bits and pieces. The storage boxes have a little hint of duck egg blue and when i get to do the finishing touches in the bedroom i will add a few more hints of duck egg to lift the room maybe in a trim on the curtains throw and cushions. I really love the room though even in its unfinished state it provides a lovely space to retreat too and get away from the work going on in the rest of the house. <br />
<br />
That's it from me for this week now its over to you to link up all things that make your house home, show of your handy work or simply share the lovely things you would love to do and products and inspiration you have found.<br />
<br />
If you would like a badge here is the code for you
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> "
target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>"
border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Feel free to leave any comments suggestions etc as its always lovely to hear from you.<br />
<br />
Ready steady go .......... here's the linky xx
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=143979" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<br />
<br /></div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-29452428658475269462012-04-27T14:23:00.002-07:002012-05-14T10:40:52.258-07:00Making it home ..... planning and updating kitchens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUmVqWoKofpFoSaGDBWB1zYoo3zVicA8uJkiEa7wYQ29HUpWGL4boqvYu7zmch1wlsGINbnrX7M8GHu2rY06XEfEyIT2b-7vd4cwDpYsXlX-RKZXqj3vzQIQsfui4-J9Jm17NQYm0HpQ/s1600/kitchen+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUmVqWoKofpFoSaGDBWB1zYoo3zVicA8uJkiEa7wYQ29HUpWGL4boqvYu7zmch1wlsGINbnrX7M8GHu2rY06XEfEyIT2b-7vd4cwDpYsXlX-RKZXqj3vzQIQsfui4-J9Jm17NQYm0HpQ/s320/kitchen+overview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old kitchen i left behind !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the second Making it home linky the place to share ideas, inspiration and home improvement posts. Thank you to all of you who joined in last week there were some amazing ideas shared and beautiful posts showing the amazing improvements you have made to your homes and items you have found.<br />
<br />
If this is your first visit and you want to find out more about <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/making-it-home-bathroom-makeover.html" rel="nofollow">making it home</a> please take a look at last weeks post to find out what its all about.<br />
<br />
Here's this weeks update from me !<br />
<br />
<br />
This week i have been trying to find the balancing act between budget and space to try to make the best use of our downstairs space on the budget available. Planning has been granted to convert our integral garage to extend our kitchen, converting a garage that is not being used for a car and is just being used for storage is a really good place to start if you need extra space for a growing family.<br />
We had planned to re create a space similar to the kitchen we had to leave behind when we moved but that seems not to be!!<br />
<br />
Building work was due to start earlier this week but had to be put temporarily on hold as there were some issues with drainage and re situating a soil pipe that were going to add thousands to a full conversion. Therefore we went back to the drawing board and after much deliberation we are now adapting to a partial conversion to add a utility and downstairs loo and the money saved will be re directed to adding a conservatory to give us the needed dining space.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUmVqWoKofpFoSaGDBWB1zYoo3zVicA8uJkiEa7wYQ29HUpWGL4boqvYu7zmch1wlsGINbnrX7M8GHu2rY06XEfEyIT2b-7vd4cwDpYsXlX-RKZXqj3vzQIQsfui4-J9Jm17NQYm0HpQ/s1600/kitchen+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUmVqWoKofpFoSaGDBWB1zYoo3zVicA8uJkiEa7wYQ29HUpWGL4boqvYu7zmch1wlsGINbnrX7M8GHu2rY06XEfEyIT2b-7vd4cwDpYsXlX-RKZXqj3vzQIQsfui4-J9Jm17NQYm0HpQ/s320/kitchen+overview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was really disappointing as the room i miss the most since the move is my old kitchen i really loved the space. It was family friendly perfect for cooking and designed in such a way that although a kitchen diner the dining space felt like a separate grown up room when entertaining. The black feature wall was family friendly and very forgiving when little E was baking.<br />
This has left me needing to re think the kitchen space in our new home as now working with a tight space that needs to work well and be family friendly. Heres how i got on with the planning and some tips that may help others planning a small kitchen<br />
<br />
Planning a small kitchen family friendly kitchen.............<br />
<br />
A good starting point is writing a list of must haves and thinking about how you use the space, i like to cook meals from scratch so wanted a good work top space and I'm usually trying to entertain a small boy while cooking so a place for him to sit and join in was essential. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://imageseu.holiday-rentals.co.uk/vd2/files/HR/400x300/k/62503/92400_7.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>
This breakfast bar idea from a <a href="http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p92400" rel="nofollow">holiday cottage</a> for inspiration<br />
<br />
In a small kitchen you need to balance the need for storage against making the kitchen look bigger the best way to achieve this is by avoiding a rows of wall cupboards.Ideally just having wall cupboards on one wall will make the room feel wider. This is not always an option so a double run can be made more spacious with open shelving so that in places you can see right back to the wall! Another trick is to use glass doors on some cupboards again to break up the closed in feeling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk3sPy7MIJxICDxsvRdoI5XjU_iNXv41Tuk5CVoK3LxlgyG4KILIBsa1xAW2Hx9o-ndtSZh2_3naGtnZxvxK7uAhQyp7ffuBBs9aQFijapTL9Sl57rAGfObzb5HW39T4534z69NJAwCQ/s1600/after+cottage+kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk3sPy7MIJxICDxsvRdoI5XjU_iNXv41Tuk5CVoK3LxlgyG4KILIBsa1xAW2Hx9o-ndtSZh2_3naGtnZxvxK7uAhQyp7ffuBBs9aQFijapTL9Sl57rAGfObzb5HW39T4534z69NJAwCQ/s320/after+cottage+kitchen+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely kitchen i left behind !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Radiators in a small kitchen use up valuable wall space and can often be tricky to work around, if budget allows underfloor heating is a great solution or a really cost effective alternative is using plinth heaters. Now with no radiator to work around the units can run wall to wall giving a more stream lined look.<br />
<br />
Fitting in a seating area without losing work space can be a bit of a challenge but can be achieved by breaking up the run of base units with a couple of shallower wall cabinets to create a space for a couple of breakfast stools. This gives the perfect area to seat children with some colouring books while your cooking and a nice place to enjoy a cup of tea and flick through a magazine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZHQcj-X9OznfSdSxzCQH9tJVStT2tFX2ODrA85TQb9mN3aVD6l_b30hiws_vNUqJPVQHAkANf4Vw9wZli4FhJgKBeRJlzPO3juizkQLNviLr1CSOWosA_sdH0ACQQ3BD8bJYtuAe44M/s1600/kitchen+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZHQcj-X9OznfSdSxzCQH9tJVStT2tFX2ODrA85TQb9mN3aVD6l_b30hiws_vNUqJPVQHAkANf4Vw9wZli4FhJgKBeRJlzPO3juizkQLNviLr1CSOWosA_sdH0ACQQ3BD8bJYtuAe44M/s320/kitchen+plan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Avoid too many tall units as again they can close in the space the best place for tall items such as fridge freezer is just inside the door as your eye goes past them and follows the worktop run giving a sense of space.<br />
<br />
White or ivory is a good colour choice in a small space as the light colour will brighten the room and any glass doors used will reflect natural light just like a mirror does.<br />
<br />
Using all these tips and tricks i have put together a plan for the kitchen that I'm really pleased with and i can,t wait for work to start next week. Once i got a plan together that i was happy with i was able to shop around for the best deal most kitchen suppliers price match and most are happy to take some extra money off or throw something in as everyone wants the business so definitely shop around as the money off can be put to tiles or flooring etc.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this weeks offering its always lovely to hear from you so please feel free to comment and follow.<br />
<br />
Now its over to you lovely people to link up and share how your making your house home xx<br />
<br />
Feel free to grab a badge if you would like one............ here's the code<br />
<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" /></a>
<br />
<a href="<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a> " target="_blank"><img src="<a href="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e2790a;">http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mediocremum/makingithomebadgefinal.gif</span></a>" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
More importantly here's the linky for you to join in with thumbnails this week to easily see your handy work xx<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=142611" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>
</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4103553304469916613.post-50509803916933957012012-04-26T04:28:00.000-07:002012-05-14T12:13:21.197-07:00Making it with the kids free rainy day activities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNneKznoRLJFJ__bo1tsNMyMMjLxQd-4qctl75YNu9rTOXrJph3BikFZqk9PVWI3K-Oy6-_YSaFXhRDksvFCJKtcFZi4CxQvVTwKbIYHBE9PE6U6gdzkiwtGg3HKdsv38lbkbmsVK-Ds/s1600/peppa+pig+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNneKznoRLJFJ__bo1tsNMyMMjLxQd-4qctl75YNu9rTOXrJph3BikFZqk9PVWI3K-Oy6-_YSaFXhRDksvFCJKtcFZi4CxQvVTwKbIYHBE9PE6U6gdzkiwtGg3HKdsv38lbkbmsVK-Ds/s320/peppa+pig+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week the constant rain has had me trying to think creatively of new ways to keep little E entertained in doors. Once we had exhausted all the toys we were encouraged after watching Mr Maker to raid the recycling box and get out the craft drawers. <br />
<br />
You know i like to get my moneys worth out of items and find new uses for things so armed with a discarded newspaper and a finished with peppa pig magazine we got busy!<br />
<br />
We had already made good use of the peppa pig magazine little E had coloured in all the pictures practised writing his letters and read all the stories and stuck in all the stickers. I thought we had finished with it and had banished it to the recycling bin but like with any magazine the pictures can be cut out and turned into collages for children's walls. <br />
<br />
Peppa pig craft project........<br />
<br />
We glued together two pieces of brightly coloured A4 paper to make the grass and the sky and cut out an oval shape in brown for the all important muddy puddle and a some yellow paper for a sunshine.<br />
Then using children's scissors and a bit of help little E cut round the pictures he had previously coloured in and glued them to his paper. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyjG2pc6aFg7hCPBNxVKxrOdyx8WIXZVkNK-ajSkXlGSas_lf4n-P7fRRlXWX4E_L4ZAMRjyc3Q0yuAVdp_AfBNMiW_1vAIQU0OShd9mXKxw4aHko2HvI3Cz_m0mO1p8bzsowWSSvUCU/s1600/Elliott+making+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyjG2pc6aFg7hCPBNxVKxrOdyx8WIXZVkNK-ajSkXlGSas_lf4n-P7fRRlXWX4E_L4ZAMRjyc3Q0yuAVdp_AfBNMiW_1vAIQU0OShd9mXKxw4aHko2HvI3Cz_m0mO1p8bzsowWSSvUCU/s320/Elliott+making+collage.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He got a bit over enthusiastic with the glue so we got out the glitter and sequins and sprinkled them over the excess glue to finish off giving the effect of sparkly grass and sequin flowers. While the Peppa pig collage was drying and as all the craft things were out we had ago at our own interpretation of Mr Makers newspaper trees!<br />
<br />
Newspaper craft project ...........<br />
<br />
Taking the discarded old newspaper little E cut it up into different size strips as he is just getting used to using child scissors the pieces were all a bit wobbly and this is perfect for this particular project as i have never seen straight tree branches !!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwAGPMUgb4BXM8QyPXxTu8eQCRUFeVhReuIf8XWBs4LHzMuydrgAAqLXJXKMVeyruljyew7qUdtQUh4EDNgQRuKv8zyE-gcZzsyxnr9nekdMXEfTnnc-b7qhAaesxE4II1vciLnho-r8/s1600/newspaper+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwAGPMUgb4BXM8QyPXxTu8eQCRUFeVhReuIf8XWBs4LHzMuydrgAAqLXJXKMVeyruljyew7qUdtQUh4EDNgQRuKv8zyE-gcZzsyxnr9nekdMXEfTnnc-b7qhAaesxE4II1vciLnho-r8/s320/newspaper+tree.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next we arranged the pieces of newspaper in a tree shape on a piece of card again he was quite liberal with the glue which came out the sides of the smaller branches and formed a perfect place to sprinkle glitter that looks like sparkling leaves.<br />
<br />
This picture turned out really lovely and next time it rains I'm going to get him making a few more as i think they will look lovely framed in our craft room when that rooms done!<br />
<br />
Hope i have inspired you to raid the recycling and see what you can make on a rainy day if you need more convincing here is a few of my old ideas for free craft ideas my old favourite the<a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2011_09_01_archive.html"> wallpaper people</a> and <a href="http://makingitasmum.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/outside-craft-time.html">washing line art gallery.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxX6uLr4PkJ2uiLVHO70uXFrNEVZCGmlTEI9yIeBuDxjWPz647Y8aZGKAKXFm4tcA0UE8KUGPROMxaYS9KcAiuWV8zo176M_m2qC3yOjUudfakXdxcSb3daEXECOlCXQ3cq2eoWkpmpA/s1600/outdoor+art+gallery.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxX6uLr4PkJ2uiLVHO70uXFrNEVZCGmlTEI9yIeBuDxjWPz647Y8aZGKAKXFm4tcA0UE8KUGPROMxaYS9KcAiuWV8zo176M_m2qC3yOjUudfakXdxcSb3daEXECOlCXQ3cq2eoWkpmpA/s1600/outdoor+art+gallery.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuv2V8v-AOTxPJRlabTdRt6EjZDwzVqDlXTWN1vtSNOC2kAMShkeOE8UhmYGYh6xs-31ATPNyW3aKrfMZOLKfgiMXutsNMsloqCq78F15FAwm46jHznmmSx62XMdCRxTdA8c7CWEXCaU/s1600/wallpaper+people.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuv2V8v-AOTxPJRlabTdRt6EjZDwzVqDlXTWN1vtSNOC2kAMShkeOE8UhmYGYh6xs-31ATPNyW3aKrfMZOLKfgiMXutsNMsloqCq78F15FAwm46jHznmmSx62XMdCRxTdA8c7CWEXCaU/s1600/wallpaper+people.png" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Always lovely to hear from you, let me know what you have been up to to entertain the children in the April showers. If you like me are watching the pennies and in search of savvy ideas for your home and family please feel free to follow me for more ideas xx<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought of the day.................. It never rains but it pours so keep handy your craft drawers !</div>catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829178809626237950noreply@blogger.com4